Sweden Vs Paraguay

A tight game was eventually won by the Swedes who like group rivals England suffered because of an inability to find the back of the net. Sadly for Paraguay a second defeat means elimination as they become the second South American and third side in total to be sent home.

After a hugely disappointing draw against Trinidad in their opening game Sweden began with the same team which faced the Caribbean's, in this game they looked to break a duck of wins which stretched back to October 2004.

Paraguay who were beaten by England in their first game started with the same side which finished the game against the Three Lions. Replacement keeper Bodadilla kept his place due to the injury of the first choice stopper and Santa Cruz started up front along side Valdez as they looked to reach the second stage for a third World Cup in a row.

Exactly four years to the date since their elimination by Germany in Japan, Paraguay started slowly with Sweden coming out of the traps quickly with an early effort from the impressive Kallstrom stinging the palms of the Paraguayan goalkeeper.

Long range efforts became a theme of the game as both Nunez and Parades on two occasions came close with strikes from thirty yards. The best chance of the first half however fell to the Scandinavians and after good work by Larsson and Ljungberg, Ibrahimovic shot weakly when clean through on goal.

A let off for Paraguay who for periods of time looked uninterested in a win seemingly leaving their fate till the last match of the group stages. Undeterred by their opponent's game plan Sweden kept piling forward and just like against Trinidad it was simply the finish which was lacking. A shot from Wilhelmsson was as close as any to breaking the deadlock but his shot skidded just wide of the far post. Ljungberg, who was giving the South American's a hard time down the wings, was unlucky not to connect with a shot when laid off by Ibrahimovic.

At half time Sweden made a change brining on Allback for the underwhelming Zlatan but still their hard luck story continued. Paraguay made a great start to the second half and through Valdez hit the post with a driven shot. Finally awakening from their slumber the game became more open as Paraguay suddenly realized the danger of allowing Sweden's non stop waves of attack to continue.

A free kick from Larsson once again tested Bodadilla and a shot from Allback on the turn was neatly dealt with as the Swedes pushed forward once more. The best chance of the game then fell to the luckless Allback who rushing through on goal chipped the keeper, only to see his shot chased down and cleared by Caniza.

Larsson and Allback battled on and from close range Allback should have finished when laid off by his strike partner. Once more Paraguay awoke and through Parades nearly took the lead with a long range effort.

Valdez once more threatened before the breakthrough for Sweden came, Elmander a late sub crossed for Allback whose misplaced header ran into the path of Ljungberg who burst onto the scene and beat the keeper, sending the Swedish crowd and bench wild.

A great result then for Sweden who despite their un-convincing nature have their future in their own hands.