Zlatan Ibrahimovic fires Sweden into Euro 2016 with a brace in Denmark

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice - the second a superb free-kick - to give Sweden a 2-2 draw (4-3 win on aggregate) against Denmark in their Euro 2016 play-off.. 

At the start of the game it was Denmark who looked likeliest to score, and Kim Kallstrom’s attempted clearance crashed against his own side’s crossbar. 

However, Sweden took the lead when a clever, disguised corner was aimed to an unmarked Zlatan Ibrahimovic at the near post, and he turned in a shot to the far post. Sweden almost had another later, when Ibrahimovic’s cross was put over his bar by Daniel Agger. 

In the second half, Sweden absorbed pressure and were happy to sit back, and commit tactical fouls in areas where set pieces would not pose a threat. It took until the 72nd minute for Denmark to threaten, when Christian Eriksen crashed in a shot from close range against Sebastian Larsson.

Ibrahimovic made things certain with a brilliant free kick into the top corner, and late goals from Yussuf Poulsen and Jannik Vestegaard made no difference. 

TALKING POINT

 

Ibrahimovic gets his send-off. The rumours are that Ibrahimovic will leave Paris Saint-Germain to be replaced by a new superstar, and it’s not clear if he will move onto a traditionally important side in Europe. MLS, or a return to Sweden have been suggested, and his goal tonight means that he will have one last spell in the limelight at Euro 2016. 

MAN OF THE MATCH

 

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden): For a man whose physical prowess and influence is waning, he was still strong and effective for Sweden. His guile put his side ahead, and his strength and determination almost caused Agger to score an own goal. Without his personality and determination to drag his side to the tournament, they would have struggled tonight.