MATCH 06 REPORT : LARSSON LIGHTS UP SWEDEN

Sweden recorded only their third victory in a UEFA European Championship finals as two fine goals from Henrik Larsson and further strikes from Fredrik Ljungberg, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcus Allbäck powered them past Bulgaria at Lisbon's Estádio José Alvalade.

Stunning header
It was a fairytale return to competitive international action for Larsson as he scored two goals in two minutes shortly before the hour to end the game as a contest in which Bulgaria battled bravely but in vain. Already ahead through Ljungberg's first-half opener, Larsson's
spectacular diving header from Erik Edman's pinpoint left-wing cross doubled their lead after 57 minutes.

Fine finish
Seconds later, the Swedes ended the game as a contest when Anders Svensson's low cross from the right was missed by the diving Zlatko Zdravkov and Larsson knocked the ball into the roof of the net from close range. Ibrahimovic scored a fourth from the penalty spot 12 minutes from time after Ljungberg had been brought down, and substitute Allbäck raced on to Larsson's chip to add a fifth in added time.

Swedish surge
Two-well drilled teams initially offered one another few clear scoring chances despite a bright start to the game. Ivailo Petkov had to be alert to the threat posed by Ibrahimovic as early as the second minute when the AFC Ajax striker was first to Andreas Isaksson's long clearance, but the Bulgarian defender managed to block his shot. Moments later Mikael Nilsson's low left-wing cross flashed across the face of goal but failed to reach either Ibrahimovic or Larsson.

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