Stunning Ibrahimovic strike sinks Greece in 2-0 Sweden victory
Tuesday, 10 Jun 2008 21:44
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a brilliant goal for Sweden
A stunning right-foot strike from Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the highlight of Sweden's 2-0 Group D victory over European Championship holders Greece.
The Internazionale striker played a one-two with Henrik Larsson before hammering the ball into the net from the edge of the area just after the hour.
It was the first exciting moment in a game that saw the holders adopt a defensive approach.
For long periods of the first half the Greeks passed the ball along the line of their defence showing little ambition to threaten their opponents goal.
Greece brought on Georgios Samaras at half time but he failed to make an impact and Sweden's persistence paid off when Ibrahimovic struck.
It took just ten minutes for Sweden to double their lead and while Ibrahimovic's strike will be an early contender for goal of the tournament the second was a contender for most bizarre.
Freddie Ljungberg shot straight at Antonios Nikopolidis when through on goal and Johan Elmander ballooned the rebound into the air leaving Petter Hansson to scramble the ball home from a yard out, despite the intention of two Greek defenders and the goalkeeper.
Moments later Christian Wilhelmsson broke down on the right hand side clutching his hamstring; the midfielder was immediately replaced after receiving treatment.
Greece, who appeared to be playing for a draw from the outset, offered little in resistance and looked a different side from the one that one the tournament in Portugal four years ago.
The closest chance for the holders saw Vassilis Torosidis shoot from a tight angle straight at Andreas Isaksson who diverted the ball with his legs.
The result leaves Greece needing a victory over Russia to take their defence of the title into the quarterfinals.