Spain beat Sweden by missed out on Rio 2016 qualification by one goal ©IHF

A late penalty saw Spain miss out on qualification for the Rio 2016 men’s handball tournament, despite a final day victory over hosts Sweden at the International Handball Federation (IHF) Olympic Qualification event at the Malmö Arena.

Sweden headed into their crucial match boasting two wins to Spain’s one, with both teams having witnessed Slovenia claiming the first of two Rio 2016 spots available in the four-team group earlier in the day

The Slovenian team brushed aside the challenge of Iran, who had already been eliminated, with the final score ending 33-17 to place them above the Sweden in the standings, sealing Olympic qualification.

Their second victory meant that Sweden and Spain’s clash would become a winner-takes-all clash for the final berth, with the latter requiring a three-goal margin over victory to leapfrog the hosts.

At half-time, the Spanish team only held a 12-11 advantage but in the second period the 2013 world champions began to move clear of the hosts.

Jorge Maqueda put them into a 24-20 lead heading into the final three minutes and, although the gap was briefly closed, the Spaniards found the net with 15 seconds remaining.

A penalty, however, was eventually awarded to the Swedish team and Niclas Ekberg held his nerve to bring the final score to 25-23, securing the hosts qualification.

It is the first time that Spain have failed to qualify for the Olympic handball tournament since Montreal in 1976. 

Croatia and Denmark earned the final berths at the Games with victories
Croatia and Denmark earned the final berths at the Games with victories ©IHF

Norway, like Spain, suffered heartbreak on the final day of their qualification event at the Jyske Bank Boxen in Denmark.

Following their win and draw in their opening two matches, the Norwegian team knew that they would reach Rio 2016 if they avoided defeat against Croatia.

Six goals from Domagoj Duvnjak, however, led the Croatian team to a 27-21 victory to move them above their opponents and claim a spot in Brazil. 

The host country also ensured their qualification to the Games, defeating Bahrain 26-24 to finish top of the standings.

Poland won their four-team tournament with a 100 per cent record following their 28-24 victory over Tunisia in the Ergo Arena in Gdansk. 

Both countries had already sealed their qualification with victories yesterday.

Macedonia won the battle of the already eliminated teams, defeating Chile 30-27.

The six teams who qualified for Rio 2016 will join hosts Brazil, Argentina, Qatar, Germany, Egypt and world champions France in the Olympic tournament.