Paraguay's Nelson Haedo Valdez touches his face during their Group B World Cup 2006 soccer match against Sweden in Berlin.[Reuters]

Ruiz gave a brief news conference, refused to answer questions and left.

"Sweden had more opportunities to score, they had more possession," he said. "It hurts but we have to congratulate the other team.

"Let me say that it is really deeply painful. There are no excuses, we just couldn't reach our goal."

Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz said his team's final ball proved their downfall.

"We played a good match, we tried hard, but what was lacking was that last pass, that last push that you need to score," said Cruz.

Midfielder Freddie Ljungberg, who headed the 89th-minute winner for Sweden, said: "For much of the match we had the same problem as before.

"We created a lot of chances but couldn't score. Fortunately this time we ended up scoring."

Sweden coach Lars Lagerback said: "Every win is good for the psychology in the squad.

"There was some difference between the locker room tonight and after the last match (0-0 draw with Trinidad & Tobago). I think it will lift the team."