Belgium ensured that Zlatan Ibrahimovic didn’t have a fairytale ending to his international career as it defeated Sweden 1-0 in the final Group E encounter. This knocked Sweden out of the Euros and also ended Zlatan’s international career.
Both the teams made just one change; Marcus Berg came in for John Guidetti for Sweden whereas Radja Nainggolan replaced the injured Dembele for Belgium. Sweden needed to win this match to have any chance of qualifying and it showed intent right from the first whistle.
Its movement seemed much better as it attacked swiftly and almost scored in the 5th minute, denied only by a superb save from Courtois. Belgium too had its share of chances in the first half but both the teams failed to find the goal.
In the second half, Sweden again started the brighter but lacked the finishing touch. As the game moved into closing stages, Sweden became more desperate to find the winning goal, leaving itself open. Belgium capitalized on this, and scored a sensational goal as Nainggolan was found by Hazard, and he struck from almost 20 yards to find the net (see picture) . Sweden deserved a bit more from the game.
Belgium will have to improve its performances if it hopes to live up to its pre-tournament expectations. It will face Hungary in the next round.
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