Yugoslavia - Sweden 31-28 (15-16)

Helsinge, DENMARK, December 6 - In the exciting match at the start of the 2002 European Women's Handball Championship Yugoslavia defeated Sweden 31-28 (15-16).

Sweden had the lead in the first half of the match. After 45 minutes the result was 23-23. In the last quarter of the game much experienced Yugoslav team proved its quality. Thanks to a few breaking saves by goalkeeper Branka Jovanovic and goals by Sanja Jovovic and Tanja Milanovic, reigning world's bronze medallists prevented surprise.