Sweden beats Faeroe Islands 2-1 in WCup qualifier

TORSHAVN, Faeroe Islands (AP) Sweden avoided a major upset after second-half goals by Alexander Kacaniklic and Zlatan Ibrahimovic helped it come from behind for a 2-1 win over the Faeroe Islands on Friday in a World Cup qualifier.

After a sluggish performance by the Swedes in a goalless first half, Rogvi Baldvinsson stunned the visitors by opening the scoring with a powerful low shot in the 57th minute.

Sweden coach Erik Hamren responded by putting on Kacaniklic, and the Fulham winger equalized in the 65th before Ibrahimovic finally put the heavily favored visitors ahead in the 75th.

The Swedes looked surprised and unsettled by the way the hosts refused to back down, and seemed content with running out the clock after going ahead.

Sweden has six points after two games, while it was the Faeroes' second loss.

Updated October 12, 2012