Palicka became the first shot-stopper in tournament history to score three goals in a single match and also made 12 saves, including a heroic stop in the final 10 seconds, in a 34-33 win for the Swedes.

Aymeric Minne scored in the final minute to bring France within a goal, but the men in yellow and in particular Palicka stood firm in Budapest's MVM Dome.

Jim Gottfridsson scored nine goals in the winning effort, which comes 12 months after Sweden beat France in the semi-finals of the World Championship.

Spain trailed at the interval in the other semi-final, but fought back and saw off Denmark 29-25 in what was a rematch of World Championship and Olympic semi-finals both won by the Danes in 2021.

Aleix Gómez scored 11 goals and led the way for the Spanish, who are seeking to win a third European title in a row.

They beat Sweden in the 2018 final, while it was Croatia who finished runners-up in 2020.

Sweden have not won this event since 2002, when they also hosted it.

Spain won 32-28 when the pair met in the group stage earlier in the tournament, which represents Sweden's only loss so far.

Norway overcame Iceland 34-33 in the fifth-place playoff, today's other match, which went to extra time.