Sweden earned a ticket to Euro 2016 after drawing 2-2 with Denmark in their qualification playoff second leg on Tuesday.
While Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who scored both of Sweden’s goals, is to make his international bow in France next year, this match was the end of the road for Morten Olsen, Denmark’s coach for 15 years.
Ibrahimovic put Sweden 2-0 ahead and, although Denmark’s Yussuf Poulsen and Jannik Vestergaard replied in the last 20 minutes, the visitors advanced 4-3 on aggregate.
Photo: AP
“This is just fabulous,” said the 34-year-old Ibrahimovic, who is not expected to play internationally beyond Euro 2016.
After a strong start by Denmark, Ibrahimovic ran free to heel in a flat corner in the 20th minute. A few minutes later, he missed another chance, which Kasper Schmeichel saved.
Just before the break, Denmark captain Daniel Agger came close to conceding an own-goal when stopping Ibrahimovic.
Ibrahimovic, who has 19 career goals in Euro qualifiers, added a second with a free-kick in the 77th minute.
A third-place finish for Sweden in Group G, behind Russia and Austria, means their only route to the European Championships was to defeat their neighbors and archrivals.
“Of course, I am very, very thrilled and very, very happy,” Sweden coach Erik Hamren said. “The boys were fantastic.”
In the second half, Sweden pushed the ball around, while Denmark chased. Denmark had several corners in the second half, but failed to score. As the Nordic derby drew to an end, Denmark increased the pressure and scored twice.
When Denmark forward Nicklas Bendtner left the turf after a disappointing performance, to be replaced in the second half by Morten Rasmussen, he was booed out.
Olsen said he was stepping down, as expected.
“I have of course told the players that ... I have agreed that I stop,” Olsen said. “In recent months, we have been too unstable in our performances and have created too few chances.”
Olsen took control of the Denmark national team in 2000, taking the nation to four major championships. Under Olsen, Denmark qualified for the 2002 and 2010 FIFA World Cups, Euro 2004 and Euro 2012.
He is the first Dane to reach 100 national team matches as a player and coach.
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