Stylish Sweden surge past Bulgaria
Friday, September 2, 2005
Article summary
Sweden 2-0 Bulgaria Fredrik Stenman and Samuel Holmén were on target as Sweden stayed in touch with Group 8 leaders Croatia.
Article body
Stenman strikes
Bulgaria arrived in Eskilstuna intent on defending, and their resolute back-line performed admirably in the opening 45 minutes against a vibrant Swedish attack. However, the home side's patience eventually paid off six minutes after the restart when Jonas Olsson headed Samuel Holmén's free-kick to left-back Fredrik Stenman who pounced for the opener.
Corner goal
Sweden's second goal owed a bit more to fortune after Holmén's 76th-minute corner found its way directly into the back of Bulgarian goalkeeper Nikolai Mihailov's goal. "Our defence played very well today, and overall we must be pleased with how we performed," said Sweden assistant coach Jörgen Lennartsson.
Rivals triumph
Sweden remain second in Group 8, level on points with Hungary, who also won, and three points adrift of leaders Croatia after they triumphed 2-1 in Iceland. Bulgaria stay fifth.