Ljungberg feared his dream had been crushed

Freddie Ljungberg has told of the anxious half hour when he thought his World Cup dream might be shattered.

The Arsenal star underwent a scan here to ease fears he had ruptured a groin muscle.

But Ljungberg, who had limped out of training yesterday complaining about the injury which had first surfaced a week ago and was aggravated in Sweden’s 1-1 draw with Japan, admitted the 30 minutes waiting for the results were the most anxious of his career.

‘‘I admit I was a bit worried that I would miss the World Cup,’’ said Ljungberg.

‘‘When I spoke to the doctors and I had to wait for the scan they said if it showed something I would be out for three weeks. After half an hour I got the results and it showed nothing was ruptured.

‘‘I felt a bit of relief then. I’m happy about that but I still have some pain, though I’m much better today than yesterday when I felt the muscle pull a little. The doctor said that I should be able to play on Sunday.’’