Sweden reach World Cup semi

Brazil 1-2 Sweden
Sweden reached their first FIFA Women's World Cup semi-final since 1991 as they outclassed Brazil in Foxboro.

Andersson winner
Victoria Svensson and Hanna Ljungberg ran the show against the South Americans, who had impressed so much in the group stage, and Malin Andersson's second-half free-kick sealed Sweden's passage to play China or Canada in Portland on Sunday for a place in the final.

Sweden ahead
The long balls of the Europeans stretched Brazil from the start, Svensson and Frida Östberg both going close in the opening ten minutes. Ljungberg was then denied by Brazil goalkeeper Andreia, but on 23 minutes Sweden were ahead when captain Malin Moström crossed into the area and Svensson headed in.

Brazil respond
Another Svensson header was not far off target just after the half-hour as Brazil found themselves dominated in the air, but the nation hoping to emulate the FIFA World Cup success of their men's team then started to move forward, with Katia the inspiration.

Penalty equaliser
It seemed Sweden would hold out until half-time, but a minute before the break their goalkeeper Sofia Lundgren, in as a late replacement for the ill Carolina Jönsson, brought down Marta in the area and the Brazil striker stepped up to convert the penalty herself.

Powerful free-kick
However, Sweden were in no mood to stay level for long after the interval, and eight minutes into the half Ljungberg was fouled 25 metres from goal and Malmö FF player Andersson sent a powerful free-kick past Andreia.

Goalline clearance
Brazil had to turn up the pressure to save their campaign, and substitute Cristiane shot just wide in the 61st minute. Svensson and Moström both forced saves from Andreia, but at the other end Anna Sjöström was forced to clear off the line after Marta's corner curled on target.

'It felt really good'
Sweden were able to hold on, though, and their ecstatic captain Moström said of the victory: "It felt really good. We knew that Brazil are a very good team, and we knew it would be a hard fight, but we are very happy to win this game."

'We are stong enough'
China, runners-up in 1999, are favourites to advance to meet Sweden in the last four, but coach Marika Domanski-Lyfors believes her side will go further. "I thought we were strong enough to beat Brazil today, and I think we are strong enough to beat China, too," she said.