With Werder Bremen’s striker Markus Rosenberg in the squad, Sweden picked up their first three points in their opening game of the European Championships. The Scandinavians needed to be extremely patient in breaking down a tough defensive wall in their 2:0 (0:0) win over current title holders Greece in Salzburg. The first chance of the game fell to Zlatan Ibrahimovic with a headed effort which went close (32’) but generally both sides disappointed throughout with the Greeks in particular spoiling play with their holding tactics.
It took until the 67th minute before Ibrahimovic finally managed to break the deadlock with a stunning drive from 20 meters out after some clever combination play with Henrik Larsson. Five minutes later, Petter Hansson doubled the Swedes lead with a great deal of luck as he forced the ball over the line after the Greek keeper had denied Freddie Ljunberg. In the 78th minute, Markus Rosenberg was brought on to replace Christian Wilhelmsson to help his side hold on to their lead, despite one good chance which fell to Torosidis late on (87’).
Sweden move into the second place in Group D, after the first round of games, behind Spain (who impressively beat Russia 4:1). On Saturday, 14.06.2008, trainer Lars Lagerbäck’s side will have to pit their strengths against the Spaniards.