Sweden Faces Surprisingly Strong Brazil

FOXBORO, Mass. — Sweden, which opened the Women’s World Cup with two low-scoring matches, will take on surprising Brazil in a quarterfinal match today.

Brazil has eliminated the Swedes from two international tournaments -- the 2000 Olympics and the 1995 World Cup.

Sweden bounced back from its first two matches by downing African champion Nigeria 3-0 in its final group match, and star striker Hanna Ljungberg scored two of the goals.

Brazil, which won the gold medal at the Pan American Games in August, won’t be easy to beat. The Brazilian team scored eight goals while allowing two in its three first-round matches.

The winner plays either China or Canada.