It was Sweden's first match since missing out on the semi-finals at the European Championship on home soil, in which defeat to Iceland in the main round was one of the more decisive moments.
Another tough battle looked to be in store, as the sides were locked together at 19-19 at the end of the first half. It was still too close to call until the final 10 minutes, when Sweden put a solid run together and opened up a three-goal lead.
Iceland cut the gap marginally, but it wasn't enough for the home side to avoid a third loss in a row, albeit the first two coming in the semi-finals and bronze medal game at the European Championship, as Sweden took revenge, 35-33.
Six goals for Axel Mansson and a fine performance in goal from Mikael Appelgren, without the retired Andreas Palicka to support him, were key in getting the Swedes over the line.