Spain's crisis deepened on Saturday when they slumped to a 2-0 defeat against Sweden in their Euro 2008 qualifier. The Spaniards went one down early in the first period through as Johan Elmander found the net before Marcus Allback ended their hopes eight minutes from time. The defeat left Spain with three points from the same number of games in fifth place of Group F. The winners top the group with maximum nine points. Pressure will mount even more on Spain coach Luis Aragones who has been under heavy criticism after crashing out of the World Cup from the round of 16 before losing to Northern Ireland in the qualifiers in September. Elmander gave Sweden the lead in the 10th minute when he beat the offside trap and drilled a low drive past keeper Iker Casillas. Sweden goalie Rami Shaaban sparkled through out the game, blocking several dangerous attempts for the Spanish side.
Sweden players celebrate the victory However, Shaaban was beaten in the 81st minute when a Carles Puyol header sailed over his head and almost crossed the line. But a brilliant clearance from a Sweden defender turned the ball into a dangerous counter attack that ended with Allback in the area with only Puyol, who retreated swiftly, and Casillas to beat. Allback, who was doubtful for the game due to an abdominal injury, sidestepped the duo with a sublime trick and slotted into the unguarded net. In the same group, Maris Verpakovskis scored twice to help Latvia crush Iceland 4-0. Girts Karlsons and substitute Aleksejs Visnakovs were also on the score sheet as Latvia moved to fourth spot with three points. In Copenhagen, Denmark were held to a goalless draw by Northern Ireland but remained in second spot with four points.
