Sweden 2 Canada 1 Women's 2008 Olympics
Lotta Schelin struck twice as Sweden leapfrogged Canada into the second of Group E's qualifying slots with a hard-fought 2-1 win in Beijing. Sweden dubious reward is a quarter-final showdown with world champions Germany, while the beaten Canada - who also advance to the last eight as one of the best third-place teams, face a potentially thrilling North American derby against their eternal rivals, USA.
With an intriguing style clash anticipated, this match quickly fell into the expected pattern; Canada launching quick, direct attacks against a Sweden side content to rely on a more patient passing game. In truth, both approaches caused problems for the other's defence, and Kara Lang was the first to register a shot on target, stinging the palms of Hedvig Lindahl with a fine early effort.
Sweden's need for the points was unquestionably greater, however, and shortly after Therese Sjogran had come within a whisker of breaking the deadlock with a fizzing 25-yard drive, Schelin made a well-deserved breakthrough in 19 minutes. Credit must also go to Victoria Svensson, who, under pressure from two of Canada's defenders as she bore down on goal, had the presence of mind to square the ball for her unmarked team-mate to slot home a routine opener.
Stung into action, Canada poured forward in search of an equaliser, one that Diana Matheson would have provided just four minutes later but for a quite magnificent diving save from the dynamic Lindahl.
As half-time approached, Lang passed up an even better chance, with the Vancouver Whitecaps striker inexplicably missing her kick after being played clean through on goal by Melissa Tancredi.
There was always the suspicion that such profligacy would not go unpunished and, sure enough, a swift counter-attack brought Sweden's second goal six minute into the second half, Schelin profiting from yet more unselfish set-up play, this time from Jessica Landstrom, to convert from close range.
Canada were at least able to set up a grandstand finish when they reduced the deficit on 63 minutes, Tancredi bulleting home a diving header from an inch-perfect Candace Chapman cross. However, the North Americans were unable to haul themselves level and will know that improvement is needed if they are to harbour hopes of upsetting their southerly neighbours in Shanghai.
Sweden 2 Canada 1 Women's 2008 Olympics