Sweden finished their home preparations for Euro 2016 with a resounding 3-0 win over fellow qualifiers Wales and, for once, did not have to rely on the finishing of captain and record goalscorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The win gave Sweden a boost before they kick off their campaign against the Republic of Ireland on Monday next week, while Wales must pick themselves up for their first game versus Slovakia on Saturday.
More than 37,000 fans went to see Sweden off and goals from Emil Forsberg, Mikael Lustig and John Guidetti, with Ibrahimovic making the pass for the opener, secured a comfortable win.
Photo: Reuters
“Victories are always fun. I am happy we scored three goals and that the three goalscorers are not named Zlatan,” Sweden coach Erik Hamren told a news conference after the game.
Ibrahimovic scored more than half of Sweden’s goals in qualifying, but it was winger Forsberg who opened the scoring in the first half, and he looks to have forged an excellent understanding with his captain.
Defender Lustig added a second goal and Guidetti, a central figure in the Sweden team that won the under-21 European Championship last year, rounded off the scoring with his first goal for the senior side.
The result was a much-needed shot in the arm for Sweden after a dull scoreless draw against Slovenia in Malmo, Sweden, on Monday last week.
“We corrected some things after the Slovenia game, so, in general, the feeling is good, but we must raise ourselves considerably before the group games start, both offensively and defensively,” Hamren said.
For Wales coach Chris Coleman, the result was a reality check, as they head into Group B also featuring England and Russia.
“We get a bit of success, a bit of expectation, sometimes a little bit of complacency and that can give you a little slap in the face,” said Coleman, who kept talisman Gareth Bale on the bench for more than an hour before bringing him on.
“Maybe that is what has happened to us, certainly today. It does not mean we cannot produce something special [at Euro 2016], because we are capable of it,” Coleman added.
Sweden, who also face Belgium and Italy in Group E, are to head to their France training base tomorrow in Saint Nazaire after two days off following the win over Wales.
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