Larsson and Co send Nigeria packing

Sweden 2, Nigeria 1 (full-time)

Henrik Larsson and his Swedish side have sent Nigeria packing out of the World Cup and have made England's prospects of progression that bit harder after a 2-1 win over the Africans.

Julius Aghahowa gave the Nigerians the lead in the 27th minute, only for Celtic striker Larsson to equalise eight minutes later.

A second-half penalty by Larsson decided the game.

Taribo West, with his head bandaged after an earlier clash, should have levelled in the 71st minute, but he nodded wide when unmarked from Okocha’s cross only five yards out.

Larsson could have had his hat-trick three minutes later, only to stall on his shot after being put clear to allow Okoronkwo time to get in a tackle.

Sweden needed Mjallby to clear off the line after a surging run from John Utaka in the 81st minute, while moments later Yobo hit the post with a 20-yard drive.

Kanu’s chip just failed to catch out Hedman in the final minutes as Nigeria staged a late rally, but to no avail as they went out of the World Cup.

See Match Reports section for full details