Zlatan Ibrahimovic was unable to inspire Sweden in his final international match, as Radja Nainngolan’s 84th minute screamer was enough for Belgium to record a 1-0 win in Nice.
The victory sets up a round of 16 clash with group F winners Hungary in Toulouse on Sunday, as Sweden exit the competition as fourth placed finisher in group E.
While the Swedes succumbed to a late goal, they were unlucky not to lead earlier. Kevin De Bruyne cleared Andreas Granqvist’s header off the line with the score locked at 0-0. The Belgian playmaker was a menace in attack, too, constantly tormenting Sweden in impressive fashion.
Far from convincing, but Belgium are now tournament favourites to reach the final
The expansion of Euro 2016 has come under fire from many fans and pundits across Europe, but you will not hear any such criticism coming out of Belgium. A huge chance to reach the final with minimum fuss has presented itself, having been placed on the other side of the draw to heavy-hitters Germany, Italy, Spain, England, and hosts France. Bookmakers have reacted by placing Belgium as favourites to reach the showpiece event in Paris.
Marc Wilmots’ side have, at times, been sub-par, both in this tournament and throughout his reign as head coach. This could be the slice of luck that his team need to take the next step at international level.
Belgium's road to the semi-finals: #hun, then #wal of #nir. Unique chance. #bel
— Kristof Terreur 📰 (@HLNinEngeland) June 22, 2016
Nainngolan’s late effort was a goal worthy of winning any football match, and while it did not affect the group E standings in any meaningful fashion in light of Ireland’s 1-0 triumph over Italy, it underlined Belgium’s hard-nosed, never-say-die approach.
Having fallen victim to the street smart Italians in the opening match, Wilmots’ team looked to have made adjustments to the way in which transitional defending is approached.
Following the 2-0 defeat, Belgium has reacted in a professional and efficient manner. Two clean sheets, four goals scored and six points suggests that the team is set for a shot at glory at Euro 2016.
Au revoir, Zlatan
Ibrahimovic will look back on his time with Sweden with highlight-riddled fondness. The giant Swede could not find the requisite magic in his final international offering, but to focus on a poor fortnight over such an illustrious contribution would the ultimate showing of pessimism.
62 goals in 116 appearances for a country like Sweden is a record not to be chuffed at, and one that is sure to stand unparalleled for quite some time.
Overall, today’s showing was an improved performance from the Swedes, who broke their shots on target duck and managed four but could not score. Sweden’s sole goalscoring contribution to the 69 that went in throughout the group stages was not made by a Swede at all – but by Republic of Ireland defender Ciaran Clark, who nodded the ball past his own goalkeeper in the opening group match.
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