Russia deny Swedes again

Russia celebrate victory over Sweden

Russia beat Sweden 28-26 in the final of the Olympic men's handball competition to claim the gold medal.

A run of seven unanswered goals at the start of the second-half propelled the Russians to victory and confirmed the Swedes' tag as perennial Olympic bridesmaids.

The Scandinavians, who came into the final as the only country not to have lost a game, were desperate to finally win the one major title that had always eluded them.

It's the third time we have been beaten in the final but we are good losers

  Swedish coach Bent Johansson

Four years ago at Atlanta they were upset by Croatia in the final and in 1992 at Barcelona they succumbed to the Unified Team at the final hurdle.

"It's the third time we have been beaten in the final but we are good losers," said Swedish coach Bent Johansson.

"When we were leading 16-14 we had three attacks but we hit the post and the ball did not go our way and they went up to 21-16. That was the crucial part of the game."

Russian coach Vladimir Maksimov insisted his side had expected to win despite going into the game as underdogs.

"We never entertained the thought of losing," he said.

"We lost in the final of the European Championships against Sweden but we won the Olympic gold so perhaps there is an irony."

Earlier Spain beat Yugoslavia 26-22 to clinch the bronze medal.