Behrang Safari began the UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying campaign as Sweden's first-choice left-back but lost his place after a 4-1 defeat in the Netherlands. He still made Erik Hamrén's squad, though, having helped RSC Anderlecht to the Belgian title following a summer 2011 switch from FC Basel 1893.

• Born in the Iranian capital of Tehran, he emigrated to Sweden as a child and later launched his career with Malmö FF.

• Made three appearances from the bench as Malmö won the 2004 Swedish title and did not establish himself as a regular until the 2006 campaign, during which he scored his first two league goals, breaking his duck against Örgryte IS on 10 April.

• Left Malmö for Basel midway through the 2008 season having received his first senior international cap in January of that year in a friendly win in Costa Rica; made six appearances in the 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign before starting the first three UEFA EURO 2012 qualifiers under new coach Hamrén.

• Enjoyed three successful years with Basel, making 94 Super League appearances and 31 in Europe, 19 of which were in the UEFA Champions League (qualifying included); won the Swiss double in 2009/10 and a second league title the following season.

• Joined Anderlecht in May 2011 and helped the Brussels club win the Eerste Klasse and reach the last 32 of the UEFA Europa League with a perfect group stage record.