Sweden sunk by Wambach
Friday, September 14, 2007
Article summary
Sweden 0-2 United States Two goals from US striker Abby Wambach left the 2003 runners-up struggling to reach the quarter-finals from Group B.
Article body
Two goals from United States striker Abby Wambach condemned Sweden to defeat in their second match at the FIFA Women's World Cup, leaving the 2003 runners-up struggling to reach the quarter-finals.
Tough task
Sweden were held 1-1 by a late Nigeria equaliser in their Group B opener on Tuesday but faced a tough task today against the two-time world champions who are on a long unbeaten streak despite a 2-2 draw with North Korea on Matchday 1. Thomas Dennerby's team began brightly but Wambach, who struck twice in a 3-2 win against Sweden at the Algarve Cup in spring, soon repeated her feat.
Wambach goals
The first arrived on 33 minutes when Lori Chalupny chased a long ball into the Sweden defence and was tripped in the box by Stina Segerström. Wambach's penalty sent Hedvig Lindahl the wrong way. It was 2-0 just before the hour when Wambach ran on to a through ball, chested down and produced a ferocious shot that gave Lindahl no chance. Sweden continued to press but must now earn a comfortable victory on Tuesday against North Korea, who defeated Nigeria 2-0 to join the US at the top of the group.