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体坛英语新闻:Sweden leaves with praises, France meets big challenge (updated)

更新时间:2024-03-28 22:33:16

  KIEV, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The already out Sweden ended their Euro 2012 campaign on a high note by upsetting France 2-0 in the final round of Group D clash on Tuesday.

  Zlatan Ibrahimovic's stunning volley and Sebastian Larsson's last shot helped their side clinch the first victory against the Les Bleurs since 1969 and cheered the yellow-shirt packed Olympic Stadium, but still was not enough to change their bottom finish in the group.

  France, who was 23 games unbeaten before the clash, ensured a second finish in the group after England knocked out the co-host Ukraine 1-0 in the same time.

  England, boosted by Wayne Rooney's header, will play against Italy in the quarterfinals and France will meet the defending champion Spain.

  It's the third loss under my post. We are very disappointed with the result, said the France's coach Laurent Blanc.

  They are a lot better than us tonight. They played for glory and dominated throughout the game. But the most important thing is we qualify for the last eight even if they beat us.

  Sweden, having suffered straight defeats to Ukraine and England, looked to vindicate their reputation and play for their faithful fans, about 18,000 of whom have followed the squad to the Ukraine capital.

  Their yellow shirts have been an iconic sight in the city center, nearly matching the similarly-colored co-host's tops.

  It's all for our fans. They gave us the feeling that we played at home. I don't want to let them travel here without seeing a victory. We did it tonight, said Ibrahimovic, who was voted the man of the match.

  Great opportunity for Sweden in the 10th minute when Ola Toivonen found himself clear in front of the area after an aerial battle with Philippe Mexes. But the Swedish forward hit the right post from an acute angle despite rounding the keeper Hugo Lloris with adapt moves.

  Nine minutes into the second half Sweden sent the stadium wild when Ibrahimovic in the area acrobatically struck in a mid-air volley by firing the right-wing cross to the dead corner.

  One minute into the injury time, Sebastian Larsson followed in time to smash the ball into the net after Samuel Holmen's shot bounced down to the ground and into his control.

  I'm proud of my players. We will act as winners. But now, you feel also a bit painful. When you left the hotel this morning, it hurts. But that's life, sighed by Sweden's coach Erik Hamren.

  In the past 17 meetings, France kept an advantageous record of eight wins, five draws and four defeats.

  But now, the 2000 winner of the tournament had plenty to ponder about the defeat and the big challenge from the top favorite Spain.

  We didn't make it easy for us. We had one day less to rest than Spain. They are one of the best teams in the world. It's hardly to beat them in tonight's form. They give you little time to get the ball. We really need very good performance to beat Spain. added by the French coach.

  The match tonight was preceded by a minute's silence in memory of French football commentator Thierry Roland, who passed away on Saturday aged 74, according to UEFA.