Sweden trounce France 2-0
Last updated on 20 Jun 2012 08:32
Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic's spectacular goal helped condemn France to the Group D runners-up spot and a Euro 2012 quarter-final against Spain.
France struggled to get going and Ola Toivonen went close for Sweden when his shot stuck the outside of the post.
Ibrahimovic eventually punished France when he brilliantly volleyed in from 15 yards from a Sebastian Larsson cross.
Olivier Giroud headed high for France before Larsson smashed in a close-range shot for Sweden's second.
France's defeat allowed England, who beat Ukraine, to leapfrog them and take top spot in the group, and also saw central defender Philippe Mexes receive a yellow card meaning he is suspended for the game against Spain.
It was a first loss in 24 internationals for France and manager Laurent Blanc will not only be left to worry over a last-eight meeting with the European and world champions, but also a disappointing performance from his side.
Sweden had already been eliminated after defeats in their first two matches but they led early in the second half against both Ukraine and England before going on to lose.
Despite their exit, Sweden had given notice they were determined to finish on a high, with their players choosing to train last Sunday rather than taking up manager Erik Hamren's offer of a day off.
Les Bleus, though, did not heed the warning signs and began in a casual manner.
Sweden had two early chances with Toivonen nodding wide and Larsson heading straight at keeper Hugo Lloris.