Greece�s defence of their European Championship title started with defeat in Salzburg. Sweden�s striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who had not scored for his country since October 2005, smashed into the top corner in the 67th minute to pave the way for his nation�s victory. Receiving a throw from the right flank, he fed Henrik Larsson, who returned the ball to him at the edge of the area to allow Ibrahimovic to unleash his effort without breaking stride.
When Petter Hansson fired in the second goal five minutes later, the resistance of the Greeks was crushed.
No team has successfully defended its title in this competition and Greece have been given little chance to make history.
With the Greeks building from defence and looking for a moment of inspiration in attack, their patient approach sparking whistles of derision from Sweden�s fans.
When going forward they have a player with a taste for the big stage in Angelos Charisteas. He was in action in the second minute here, getting booked for a clumsy tackle on Hansson. Charisteas had the first effort on goal, weaving around three Sweden defenders as he cut in from the right flank � but his shot was straight at Manchester City goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson.
Ibrahimovic was passed fit following knee troubles with Internazionale at the end of the season, and he almost ended his dismal run in the 33rd minute. He was found by Freddie Ljungberg with his back to the goal and he headed on to the roof of the net as Sotiris Kyrgiakos clattered him.
The game was in a pattern the Greeks were content with, but then came Ibrahimovic�s moment of inspiration, his own masterpiece in the city of Mozart�s birth. Hansson�s goal was less pleasing to the eye. Ljungberg raced through but had his finish saved, with substitute Johan Elmander poking the ball to the back post where Hansson applied the ugly finish.
Mike McGrath© PA Sport, 2008, All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, re-written, re-distributed or commercially exploited. Sportstar is not responsible for any inaccuracy in the material.
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