VILNIUS (EuroBasket Women) - Sweden raised expectations last summer with seven wins in eight Qualification Round games for the EuroBasket Women 2013.

With the tournament in France tipping off in less than a week, the Scandinavians' credentials are about to be tested in Group B by heavyweights Russia and Spain, and a dangerous Italy.

Russia are going into the event with the No. 3 spot in the FIBA Ranking Women while Spain, a national team that Sweden beat twice in qualifying, are No. 6.

Against No. 18 Japan over the weekend in a tournament held in Lithuania, Sweden slipped to a 54-52 defeat.

Lars Johansson's defense rose to the occasion against the perimeter-oriented Japanese attack that troubles so many good international sides, yet the offense sputtered.

"You should be able to win when giving up only 54 points," Johansson said.

"Normally, you aren't satisfied with the defense when you lose, but this time our defense was really good.

"The attack was not."

Sweden were 20 of 48 inside the arc and just one of 10 beyond it.

The offensives struggles didn't look as if they would cost Sweden victory when they managed to go on a 9-0 run to lead 43-37 in the second half.

Japan battled back for the win, though.

If Sweden excel on defense, they will have the opportunity to win games.

"They (Japan) made 11 of 17 threes against Lithuania the other day, so we did a very good job there," Johansson said.

"We did very well switching on their screens and it was a good sign for the EuroBasket-opener against Italy (15 June).”

Japan only attempted seven three-pointers and made three.

"But we had a little more difficulty managing their big players and their little guards were so smart on helping inside," the coach said.

The defeat to Japan came in a friendly so Johansson won't be hitting the panic button.

Yet alarm bells are ringing because of an offense that was led by Louice Halvarsson's 14 points.

"It's so tough competition in this tournament that we can't expect to win every game," Johansson said.

To have a chance of reaching the knockout game, though, Sweden need to find some rhythm in attack.

"Our offensive game is what is more of a concern," Johansson said.

"We may be working a little too hard for our points."

FIBA