Ljungberg double floors 10-man Bulgaria

Sweden cruised to a 3-0 win over 10-man Bulgaria with two goals by Fredrik Ljungberg and another from Erik Edman in yesterday's World Cup Group Eight qualifier.

Midfielder Ljungberg gave the visitors an early lead in the 17th minute and after Bulgaria defender Georgi Markov was sent off just before the hour mark the Swedes wrapped up the win.

The result means Sweden have extended their lead at the top of the standings to five points over Bulgaria.

The Swedes have 12 points from five games two ahead of Croatia, from four matches, while Bulgaria are on seven also from four.

Ljungberg put Sweden ahead when he picked up a precise cross from Anders Svensson and curled an excellent shot into the bottom right-hand corner from 12 metres.

The home side, who created few chances, pressed forward in search of an equaliser but suffered a blow when defender Markov was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.

Defender Edman then scored Sweden's second goal with an unstoppable 75th minute free-kick before Ljungberg converted a penalty in the dying seconds after Bulgaria defender Elin Topuzakov pulled down substitute Marcus Allback.

The defeat means Bulgaria have still not beaten Sweden since 1967 although coach Hristo Stoichkov remains optimistic ahead of their next qualifier away to Hungary on Wednesday.

"There are another six games and they'll decide everything," he told reporters. "We'll seek a victory against Hungary at any price and will wait for the match against Croatia. We still have a chance to qualify because surprises are possible."

Bulgaria host Croatia on June 4 after the first group match between the teams ended in a 2-2 draw in Zagreb last October.