Sweden pinpoint posts

Anders Svensson reacts to hitting the post

By Stian Skaar

Sweden's newspapers have blamed their World Cup exit on the goal posts at the Oita stadium.

The Scandinavians went down 2-1 to Senegal after Henri Camara's golden goal in their second round meeting.

Match report: Senegal's golden day

Camara's effort, his second goal of the game, went in off the post to seal Sweden's fate 13 minutes into extra time.

"It was the posts in the Big Eye Stadium which chose sides," Swedish daily newspaper Aftonbladet said.

Only eight minutes earlier a turn and shot by Anders Svensson had cannoned off Senegal goalkeeper Tony Sylva's post to deny Sweden.

Camara's winning effort trickled past goalkeeper Magnus Hedman

"Even the most beautiful stories have to end," Aftonbladet added.

"The Swedish saga ended after 103 minutes and three seconds against Senegal. The World Cup is over for Sweden."

Svenska Dagbladet also blamed the posts for the defeat.

"If there was anything which let the bravely battling Swedes down, it was the posts," it said.

"Earlier they have been our friends, However, goal posts have never been known for being faithful."

The paper continued: "The loss was a dark moment for Swedish football, after the impressive performance in the group.

"The three group matches will never be forgotten.

"But still the history books will say that the Swedish World Cup in 2002 was something unfulfilled, something which could have been so much better."