David Villa scored a last-gasp winner as Spain defeated a resilient Sweden 2-1 in Group D in Innsbruck on Saturday evening.Zlatan Ibrahimovic had cancelled out Fernando Torres' goal as Sweden looked set to grab a valuable point, but Villa popped up in stoppage time to grab his fourth goal of the tournament.
Spain quickly settled into their passing game and were soon probing the Sweden defence for frailties.
However, apart from an Andres Iniesta shot that went high and wide and a moment of danger when David Silva got in behind the Sweden defence before being closed down, Lars Lagerback's side were able to deal with the early Spanish threat.
Sweden's success lasted just 15 minutes though before they found themselves a goal down thanks to a well-worked Spain corner.
Xavi played a low ball in towards the front post for Villa, who in turn found Valencia club-mate Silva on the edge of the box and his cross back in towards the six-yard box was stabbed home by the stretching Torres.
Ibrahimovic, widely regarded as Sweden's chief threat, had been well-marshalled by the Spain backline but the Inter Milan star showed his class as he drew his side level midway through the half.
The giant striker raced onto a deep cross from Fredrik Stoor and held off the challenge of Sergio Ramos before turning and beating Iker Casillas low to his left.
Spain should have won a penalty on the stroke of half-time when Silva went crashing under an aerial challenge from Johan Elmander, but the referee waved play on as the half finished level.
Sweden escaped midway through the second half when Silva, Villa and Torres were all denied by Andreas Isaksson in quick sucession.
Marcos Senna then burst forward and hit a fine shot which was tipped around the post by Isaksson at full stretch.
Torres had a shot which was held by Isaksson, before Villa escaped down the left and flicked the ball inside Petter Hansson before slipping the ball beyond Isaksson for the winner.
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Comment 1 - 2 of 2
Get Villa to Liverpool...!!! Torres and Villa Great partenership...!!!
Great Game but not to great, the 'patient' + 'short pass' are quite bored... Send the ball far, Torres have the pace to score or at least assist a scoring opportunity... VILLA + TORRES + LFC = EPL Glory.....YNWA
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