STOCKHOLM.

One half was enough for Zlatan tonight.

He scored, assisted and dominated the 45 minutes he played and that was enough for Sweden, who beat Iran 3-1 in a physical friendly.

– It worked well with both of them. Too bad Isaac didn't get to score, but it won't be long, Zlatan said about his fellow attackers after the game.

 

In front of a passionate Iranian crowd, the game started with high intensity. After only 11 minutes Zlatan scored for Sweden. A very nice attack where Zlatan found Erkan Zengin out to the right and Zengin beautifully lob-crossed to the far post where Ibra came perfectly and headed on goal. Haghighi in Iran's goal almost saved but only almost. 1-0 to Sweden.

 

3 GOALS AFTER 23 MINUTES

In the 21th minute, Sweden scored again. Shortly after a tremedous almost-attack, Bengtsson got the ball to the left, crossed it to the far post where Ibra were superstrong and won the headerduel against twå defenders. The ball went to Berg who very nicely slided and scored with his left. 2-0. Only a minute after Iran counterattacked and Granqvist fouled an Iranian-player. Clear penalty, which Nekounam scored on. 2-1.

 

PHYSICAL HALF

Neither team created any more clear chances after Iran's goal. It was a very physical, intense half where Sweden sometimes played very well in attack but Iran defended well. Iran were semi-close to cutting through with a couple of counterattacks. Zlatan was by far the best player on the pitch and dominated with great strength.

 

TOIVONEN'S GOAL THE HIGHLIGHT

In the second half the game did not only miss Zlatan (subbed), it lacked quality. Sweden had most of the possession, but were unsuccessful in creating any real chances. Several substitutions stopped the rythm of the game, but the half was as physical as the first. Robin Quaison made an interesting debut for Sweden, but everything worth remembering came in the first half. Almost. Because in the 89th minute, Sweden scored a beautiful goal. Larsson crossed to Toivonen who headed it nicely. 3-1, which became the final result.

 

 

ZLATAN.

The closer we get to Zlatan's retirement, the more talks about the hole he will leave after him in the Swedish national team. In the first half, it was the typical game where Zlatan carried his Sweden. He came down low and controlled the build-up, he showed great strength in several duels, he scored a goal and assisted to Berg's 2-0. He looks like he is in GREAT shape and very close to his very best. With many important games with PSG ahead, Erik Hamrén chose to take Zlatan off at halftime.

 

 

GOALS.

11' - 1-0. Zlatan Ibrahimović, Sweden.

21' - 2-0. Marcus Berg, Sweden.

23' - 2-1. Javad Nekounam, Iran (p).

89' - 3-1. Ola Toivonen, Sweden.

• 

• SWEDEN

•  

• 

• Friendly

• Game

3	1

• 2015.03.31

• Friends Arena

• Stockholm, Sweden

• 

• IRAN

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= Goal	= On Goal	= Wide/Over/Blocked