Sweden Clip Super Eagles' Wings

Home>>Sports

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, June 07, 2002

Sweden Clip Super Eagles' Wings

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

Sweden crushed Nigeria 2-1 in World Cup Group F on two goals by Henrik Larssen on Friday.

Nigeria, which failed to win a point from two games, became the second team after Saudi Arabia to be eliminated from soccer's premier event.

Sweden now have four points in the "Group of Death" which also include Argentina and England. Argentina and England, who have three points and one respectively, will battle out Friday day.

The "Super Eagles" jumped ahead in the 27th minute. Joseph Yobo broke down the right flank and sent a curling cross to the penalty box. Julius Agahowa jumped high to head the ball into the back of the net.

The 19-year-old striker celebrated his 11th international goal by executing seven backflips.

Larssen annulled Nigeria's lead in the 35th minute. The Celtic striker received a pass from Freddie Ljunberg, dribbled past a defender into the box and calmly struck the ball into the right corner of the goal despite the challenge from three defenders who stood in parallel.

The Swedes had an own goal scare following the equalizer. Jay Jay Okacha, Africa's most expensive player when he moved to Paris from Fenerbahce, waltzed around the Sweden defense and sent in a shot. Teddy Lucic's clearance hit Johan Mjallby and bounced onto the post.

Larsson converted a spot kick to put the Swedes 2-1 after he was brought down in the box after a break-through in the 62nd minute.

Nigeria nearly netted an equalizer in the 35th minute when John Utaka surged in from the right and sent the ball to the Sweden goal, only to be blocked by Swedish defender Johan Mjallby at the goal line.

At the 35th minute, Joseph Yobo's blast was stopped by nobody but the left post.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Argentina Kicks off Group of Death with 1-0 Win over Nigeria

Sweden Denies England Historic Win in World Cup

>> Full Coverage

China Likely to Launch the Lowest SAR in the World ( 2 Messages)

China Hopes Japan Will Keep Commitment to Non-nuclear Principles ( 2 Messages)

Asymmetric Trial of Strength: Commentary ( 21 Messages)

US Taiwan Acts Jeopardize Sino-US Ties: Analysis ( 76 Messages)

'Kunlun' Jet-engine to Power China's Airforce ( 54 Messages)