Lethal Ljungberg breaks Belarus

Hanna Ljungberg weighed in with four goals as Sweden ran out 6-0 winners against Belarus in Skellefteå on Saturday to get back on track in 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying. The 2003 runners-up were always in control, atoning for a disappointing 2-2 draw with Iceland in their opening game.

Schelin slalom
Swedish No10 Ljungberg opened the scoring after a quarter of an hour, and added a second ten minutes later. Lotta Schelin made it three before the break with superb solo effort, cutting inside from the flank and blasting into the Belarus net after a weaving run.

Comfortable return
Goalkeeper Caroline Jönsson was restored to the Sweish goal after two matches on the sidelines and could hardly have wished for a more comfortable return, having to make no saves of note.

Lethal Ljungberg
Sweden took their foot off the pedal in the second half, content to slow the tempo of the game down. But a late surge saw them cut a tired Belarus defence to ribbons, as Ljungberg added two more and substitute Therese Lundin another within the final eight minutes.

Portugal date
Sweden are kevel on points at the summit of Group 2 with Iceland and the Czech Republic. Their next match is away to Portugal on 1 November, while Belarus, with one points from three games, return to action at home to Iceland on 6 May 2006.