Sweden rue misses

Sweden were devastated to lose to a golden goal

Swedish coach Lars Lagerback agonised over missed chances as his side crashed out of the World Cup to a golden goal against Senegal.

Reaction from the Senegal camp

Sweden took an early lead through Henrik Larsson but went in at the break level after allowing Senegal back into the match with a Henri Camara equaliser.

But in a more spirited second half display, Sweden wrestled back the supremacy.

And they went agonisingly close to a golden goal winner of their own when Anders Svensson's shot came back off the post.

They are very physical, very strong and very good footballers but I felt we were at least as good as them

Swedish coach Lars Lagerback

Minutes later Camara wriggled clear to score the decisive goal at the other end.

"You really feel empty after a match like this. It was tough to lose in this way rather than to get beaten 2-0 after 90 minutes," said Lagerback.

"I feel sad because we warmed up in the second half and I feel we had the best chances.

Senegal break Swedish hearts

"We didn't play that well defensively for a period during the first half but we improved in the second half and we had more chances and that's why it feels hard to lose.

"I congratulate Senegal. They are very physical, very strong and very good footballers but I felt we were at least as good as them."

Sweden won Group F, the so-called "Group of Death", after beating Nigeria and drawing with England and Argentina.

But joint-coach Lagerback - who partners Tommy Soderberg - admitted the three group matches may have taken their toll.

Sweden v Senegal pictures

"This was a fantastic group of players and they focused very well on this match," he said.

"But mentally and physically they were a little tired after three tough matches.

"It was also a a little warm today, with the three matches we've had, this took a little out of us.

"It's always difficult to lose like this and I don't feel very satisfied just now. But when you look back at what we've done it's been a very good performance from the players."

Sweden captain Johan Mjallby said: "We had never heard of Henri Camara before but unfortunately we have now and I don't think we will forget him.

"The fact that we didn't know anything about him does not give us any excuses now - we knew Senegal were a strong team and we should have done better.

"It is definitely the most devastating defeat of my career. I think we will all take some time to get over it."

Southampton's Svensson said : "I just tried to hit the goal, but unfortunately it hit the post and went out.

"I was disappointed, but there was still time left.

"I tried to forget about it quick and try to score on the next chance. But unfortunately they got one that hit the post and went in."