Radja Nainggolan netted a late winner from distance to ensure his side’s passage to the Round of 16 and end Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s international career in defeat.
Belgium snatched a late winner against Ibrahimovic’s Sweden, courtesy of a terrific strike from the AS Roma midfielder, as they ran out 1-0 winners at the Allianz Riviera on Wednesday.
The Blågult’s captain – whose international career is now over – as well as Romelu Lukaku, both had goals ruled out for offside prior to Nainggolan’s late effort, and Sweden were made to pay for not taking their chances early on in the clash.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
The victory sees the Red Devils extend their tally to six points, however finish second behind Italy, whilst the Scandinavians will finish bottom of Group E on just one point. Marc Wilmots’s side will face Group F winners Hungary.
Sweden
Andreas Isaksson – 8: Pulled off a string of impressive saves in the second half to ensure Belgium did not take the lead earlier. Sweden’s best performer during the contest.
Victor Lindelöf – 6.5: Made a couple of clangers early on, though grew into the game and was solid both in possession and when defending.
Andreas Granqvist – 7: Matched up well to Lukaku and restrained him for much of the game. Looked strong and resolute.
Erik Johansson – 5.5: Sometimes caught on the wrong side of the Belgian striker. Occasionally looked shaky.
Martin Olsson – 6: The Norwich City man did not provide his usual lung-busting runs down the left flank, and was often caught out of position.
Sebastian Larsson – 6.5: Provided balls from out wide into the box and was usually accurate with his service, though did not impact with much else.
Albin Ekdal – 6.5: A hard runner in midfield and often the link between Sweden’s midfield and attack.
Kim Källström – 7: The former Lyon man was his usual classy self in the middle of midfield, distributing smartly and effectively.
Emil Forsberg – 7: Was one of the Scandinavian side’s main threats throughout the match. Went close with an effort on goal.
Marcus Berg – 6.5: Should have scored early in the first half, though hit his strike straight at Thibaut Courtois.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 7: Gave a lot to his side in his final international match. Was an effective creative source for teammates as well as a focal point. Had a goal ruled out for offside.
Substitutes
John Guidetti – 6: Came on for Berg and did not have much of an influence. Did link up well with teammates, however.
Jimmy Durmaz – 5.5: Ineffectual in possession at times and failed to change the game off the bench.
Erkan Zengin – N/A
Belgium
Thibaut Courtois – 7.5: Was not needed too often throughout the contest, though did deal well with all that came his way.
Thomas Meunier – 7: Threatening going forward and solid in defence. Nearly scored off a header.
Toby Alderweireld – 6.5: The Tottenham man did not enjoy his best day at the heart of Belgium’s defence, though was reliable nonetheless.
Thomas Vermaelen – 7.5: An impressive showing. The 30-year-old was impervious and consistent in his challenges.
Jan Vertonghen – 7: Continues to impress playing out of position at left-back. Read the game well and did not allow the Swedes much joy on the right-flank.
Radja Nainggolan – 8: Capped off a fine, industrious performance with a rocket of a shot that beat an inspired Isaksson. As always, ran hard, tackled harder and was consistent with distribution.
Axel Witsel – 6.5: Held the middle of midfield well alongside Nainggolan, though was sometimes caught on the ball.
Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco – 6.5: Showed moments of brilliance in an otherwise satisfactory performance.
Kevin De Bruyne – 7: Belgium’s main creative outlet. The 24-year-old orchestrated most of his side’s attacks and was a constant threat to the Swedes.
Eden Hazard – 7: Found Nainggolan with a clever assist, spreading the play from the left wing. Had a few trademark mazy runs.
ITALY 0 IRELAND 1
Romelu Lukaku – 7.5: Held the ball up well and linked up with teammates to great effect. A constant menace to Sweden’s back-four as he put in a performance that deserved a goal.
Substitutes
Dries Mertens – 7: Came off the bench and provided a different threat to what Ferreira-Carrasco offered. Gave Martin Olsson a few issues.
Christian Benteke – N/A
Divock Origi – N/A
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