Sweden's national soccer team defeated Costa Rica 1-0 yesterday in a friendly match in San José's Ricardo Saprissa stadium, an unceremonious farewell for the celebrated Tico forward Paulo César Wanchope.

The winning goal came in the 48 th minute by the foot of Samuel Holmen, after a rebound by Behrang Safari from the left wing.

Wanchope, despite his failed attempts at penetrating the Swedish defense enough to score for the team, exited the field with about 32:30 on the clock to a standing ovation from spectators chanting “Chope, Chope,” in a public send-off of one of their favorite soccer players.

“I'm really glad, very nostalgic but happy because that's soccer: it doesn't last forever. I made the best of it … and I'm leaving satisfied,” said Wanchope, 31.

The Swedish victory settles a more than 17-year score after Costa Rica beat Sweden 2-1, eliminating the Swedes from the 1990 World Cup in Italy.