Villa strike sinks Swedes

Fernando Torres put this week's controversies behind him as fired Spain ahead in the 15th minute but Zlatan Ibrahimovic levelled things up in the 34th minute with a goal that looked to have earned Sweden a share of the points.

That was until Villa, who scored a hat-trick in Spain's 4-1 win over Russia on Tuesday, struck right at the death to put his side on the brink of the quarter-finals.

The in-form Spanish, now undefeated in 18 games, quickly settled into their passing game and were soon probing the Sweden defence for frailties.

However, apart from an Andres Iniesta shot that went high and wide and a moment of danger when David Silva got in behind the Sweden defence before being closed down, Lars Lagerback`s side were able to deal with the early Spanish threat.

Sweden`s success lasted just 15 minutes though before they found themselves a goal down thanks to a well-worked Spain corner. Xavi played a low ball in towards the front post for Villa, who in turn found Valencia club-mate Silva on the edge of the box and his cross back in towards the six-yard box was stabbed home by the stretching Torres.

Ibrahimovic, widely regarded as Sweden`s chief threat, had been well-marshalled by the Spain backline but the Internazionale striker showed his class as he drew his side level 11 minutes before half-time.

The giant striker raced onto a deep cross from Fredrik Stoor, brought the ball under control and, just as it appeared as though the chance might be lost, he held off the challenge of Sergio Ramos before sliding a low shot past Iker Casillas.

Spain piled forward in the closing stages in search of the winning goal, but when Isaksson saved Torres` low shot in the 89th minute it looked as though the Swedes would be taking a hard-earned point.

However, Villa had other ideas and he raced onto a Joan Capdevila long-ball forward, skipped inside Hansson before coolly slotting home past Isaksson for the winner.