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GROUP F REVIEW
SWEDEN 2-1 NIGERIA
SWEDEN moved to the top of Group F with a 2-1 over Nigeria in Kobe - a result which puts real pressure on England and sends the Super Eagles packing.
With both teams needing a win at the start of the match to empower their chances of qualification, both teams started brightly and threw everything into attack.
Johan Mjallby had a header cleared off the line by Justice Christopher before the Africans - slightly against the run of play - scored a tremendous goal through Julius Aghahowa. Joseph Yobo whipped in a fantastic cross from the right wing, and Aghahowa leapt to glance home a flicked header into the roof of the net.
But Celtic striker Larsson looked lively throughout, and levelled matters with a composed low shot after cutting inside Isaac Okoronkwo, from Freddie Ljungberg's through ball.
A dazzling run by Jay Jay Okocha - followed by a scuffed left-footed shot - caused commotion in the Swedish box on 37 minutes, when Teddy Lucic's hurried clearance at the far post bounced off Mjallby's knee and back towards goal - hitting the post behind Lucic.
The decisive strike came on 62 minutes when Larsson was bundled over in the box - and despite the best efforts of keeper Ike Shorunmu, his spot-kick flew inside the post to give Sweden the lead.
Nigeria gave as good as they got - Jospeh Yobo hit the post with a low drive, John Utaka had a close range effort blocked by Magnus Hedman and with time running out, Kanu's chip was plucked out of the air by the Coventry keeper.
The three points move Sweden to the summit of Group F - and countryman Sven Goran Eriksson knows that England will need to beat Argentina later today, if they are going to have control pover their own destiny in the final round of matches.
ARGENTINA 1-0 NIGERIA
Gabriel Batistua's goal was enough to seal victory for a dominant Argentina.
The striker had already missed a clear chance from a Juan Sebastiaen Veron corner but headed the winner from another deep Veron corner.
A string of fine saves by Ike Shorunmu kept the score down.
Nigeria's best moment came when Jay Jay Okocha's effort was tipped over by Pablo Cavallero, but despite a late rally they raely threated.
ENGLAND 1-1 SWEDEN
Everton's Niclas Alexandersson fired a senond half equaliser to deny England an important opening victory.
Alexandersson scored from the edge of the area after collecting a clearance from Danny Mills.
England impressed in the first half and went ahead when Sol Campbell powerfully headed home David Beckham's corner.
But Sweden improved in the second half and after the equaliser, David Seaman had to save trice from Teddy Lucic.