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Samuel Holmén scored his first senior Sweden goal (©Getty Images)

Costa Rica 0-1 Sweden
A Sweden team made up of players from Nordic leagues exacted a little piece of revenge for their 1990 FIFA World Cup elimination by Costa Rica as Samuel Holmén's goal gave the visitors victory in San Jose.

'Perfect pass'
Sweden lost 2-1 to the Central American side in Italy 18 years ago but the UEFA EURO 2008™ contenders gained the edge in this friendly early in the second half as Behrang Safari's pin-point cross from the left was turned in by Brøndby IF midfielder Holmén. By that stage former Derby County FC, West Ham United FC, Manchester City FC and Málaga CF forward Paulo Wanchope had left the pitch after the final appearance of his career in which he scored more than 40 goals for Costa Rica. "It was a perfect pass from Behrang and I connected with the ball perfectly with a volley," Holmén said. "It was my first goal for the national side and it feels great in view of EURO 2008™."

Debutants
Coach Lars Lagerbäck started with nine uncapped players and brought on three substitutes for their debuts, and will field a similar lineup on Saturday against the United States in Carson City, Nevada. "We were a bit slow off the mark, but with so many new players that was a bit expected," he said. "I think we did well and there were a lot of positives to take from the game."

Chances
Although Lagerbäck admits that the squad in the summer will be very different, he added that the newcomers all had an opportunity to make the breakthrough. "We have a squad of 16 or so players that are more or less certain. That means that there are about six places that are still for grabs," he said. "But then again anything can happen with regards to injuries and so on, so anyone who does well here will increase their chances of getting selected."

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