Sweden launched their bid to reach the UEFA EURO 2012 finals with a comfortable 2-0 home victory over Hungary.

Pontus Wernbloom put Sweden in front after 51 minutes, on his ninth appearance for his country, and then guaranteed three points in Solna by netting again after 73.

Sweden failed to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa, however they have reached each of the last three European Championships.

2010 FIFA World Cup runners-up the Netherlands are understandably the favourites to win Group E but Erik Hamren's side should have sufficient quality to finish as runners-up.

However, Sweden had to wait for the goals to come tonight despite always being on top.

They threatened in the eighth minute when captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic crossed to Johan Elmander, whose header was easily saved by Gabor Kiraly. Ibrahimovic, AC Milan's new striker, was also the creator of the next chance when his through-ball found Ola Toivonen who was also denied by Kiraly.

Zoltan Gera missed the target with his head at the other end, before Sweden left-back Emir Bajrami ran through on goal but slammed a shot wide of the right post.

Ibrahimovic should have scored twice before half-time but failed to make the most of two clear chances, however they were not expensive misses.

Sebastian Larsson set up the opening goal, with Wernbloom heading his cross past Kiraly to end Hungary's resistance.

Vladimir Koman threatened an equaliser soon afterwards but failed with his shot, and Sweden doubled their lead when Wernbloom showed his strength in the air once again.

Kim Kallstrom swung over a corner and Wernbloom headed against the bar before meeting the ball on the rebound and this time finding the net.