Larsson equalises for interval draw

Sweden 1 Nigeria 1 (half-time)

Henrik Larsson equalised for Sweden after Julius Aghahowa had given Nigeria the lead in a thrilling first half to their Group F clash.

Yobo proved his usefulness in stopping goals rather than creating them when he blocked out Svensson’s dangerous run into the box four minutes later.

Sweden were back on level terms in the 35th minute with a goal that had ‘made in Britain’ written all over it.

Ljungberg slipped the ball through to Larsson with the Celtic striker twisting and turning the Nigerian defence before poking home low past Shorunmu.

Two minutes later, Okocha’s magical dribble almost put Nigeria back ahead.

Although his final shot proved too weak, as it trickled towards goal Teddy Lucic blasted the clearance against Mjallby and onto the post.

Nigeria had now settled down into a rhythm and were unsettling the Swedish backline with their pace and the vision of Okocha.