Sentence:  England could have met world and European champions Spain but that eventuality was <WSD>avoided</WSD> by Sweden's 2-0 win against France, and Rooney's first goal in a major tournament since scoring twice in the 4-2 victory over Croatia in Lisbon at Euro 2004. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  to keep away from; to keep clear of; to stay away from