Linda Fagerstrom's solitary strike in the 76th minute helped Sweden to a 1-0 win over Russia in Group A.

Their victory means they now go through to the semi-finals where they will face Denmark, Norway or Italy.

But Sweden were made to work hard for the three points as the Russians put in a resilient defensive performance.

The first chance of the match fell to Jane Tornqvist, but she blazed over after some neat inter-play by her team-mates.

Hanna Ljungberg, who has scored in every game of the tournament, almost gave Sweden the lead with a header which went just wide.

After a period of Swedish pressure, Russia came back into the match and Galina Komarova was particularly impressive down the right flank.

Tempered joy

But it was Ljungberg who came closest to breaking the deadlock on 33 minutes when she sent a dipping volley just over the crossbar.

Sweden coach Marika Domanski Lyfors introduced Fagerstrom in the place of Kristin Bengtsson.

And the substitution proved an inspired one as she tormented the Russian defence.

Sweden were eventually rewarded for their attacking endeavour when Tina Nordlund produced an hanging cross from the right that the unmarked Fagerstrom rolled home.

The ever dangerous Ljungberg could have extended Sweden's lead two minutes later, but she headed narrowly wide.

Sweden held onto their slender lead to clinch a semi-final berth.

However, their joy was tempered when defender Tornqvist was stretchered off with what looked like a serious injury in the dying moments of the game.