Sweden has weathered a desperate second-half charge from Nigeria to hold on for a 2-1 World Cup victory in Kobe. The heart-breaking loss means the Super Eagles cannot advance to the second round.
Sweden had the advantage in the action-packed first half, but Nigeria got the opening goal. Joseph Yobo sent a perfect crossing pass to Julius Aghahowa, who tallied to give Nigeria the 1-0 lead in the 27th minute. The Super Eagles' scorer celebrated his goal with a series of back flips
But Sweden regained the momentum in the 36th, when Henrik Larsson took a pass just outside the box. He worked his way past two Nigerian defenders to score the equalizer, and the first half ended at 1-1.
The wide open style of play continued in the second half, with scoring chances for both sides. But Larsson gave Sweden the 2-1 lead in the 62nd minute, as he converted a penalty kick. The Super Eagles battled for the equalizer, and created two great chances. But John Utaka missed an open net, and Yobo hit the post allowing the Swedes to escape with the 2-1 win.