France through despite Swedish defeat

19 June 2012 21:48

France qualified for the qurter-finals on Tuesday despite losing their final Group D match 2-0 to already eliminated Sweden.

France will play champions Spain in the last eight.

A brilliant bicycle kick by Sweden's inspirational captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the 54th minute gave them the lead with the outstanding Sebastian Larsson adding a second in the final minute of normal time.

It handed the Swedes not only their first points of the group stage but also their first win over France in almost 43 years dating back to October 1969.

The French, who also saw their 23-match unbeaten run ended, progress in second place in the group after England beat co-hosts Ukraine 1-0 in the other game to finish top.

Source: AFP