Ibrahimovic on wonder goal

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has said that his wonderful, instinctive equaliser against Italy last night was "the only possible option" to get the ball into the net.

'Only option'
Ibrahimovic earned the Swedes a point when he flicked the ball over his head and past Christian Vieri on the line with five minutes left in Porto. Describing the goal today, he said: "I saw [Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi] Buffon to my left, and I saw that the ball bounced so I used the only possible option to try and get the ball in the goal.

Standing ovation
"A back-flick was the only move that I could do, I didn't see Vieri, but I was over the moon to see the ball sail into the net. It was a fantastic feeling." However, Ibrahimovic, who received a standing ovation from the Swedish journalists at today's press conference, played down his own role in the 1-1 draw, which has moved the Swedes to within touching distance of the UEFA EURO 2004™ quarter-finals.

Praise for Larsson
"I scored the goal, but it could have been anyone," he said. "For me Henrik [Larsson] was instrumental in changing the flow of the game when he went back to pick up the ball, and take control of the holding role. That was crucial for us. The support we got from the stands also helped keep us going."

Patience
After reviewing the match on video, co-coach Lars Lagerbäck said: "We had problems on the flanks and didn't get hold of the ball, but we worked enormously hard. In the second half I was proud to see that the players stayed focused and had the patience to pass the ball around, and in the end it paid off. We were fortunate to get the goal, but that's the way it is sometimes."

Impact of substitutes
Lagerbäck also highlighted the impact made by substitutes Mattias Jonson and Kim Källström. "Both Mattias and Kim came in and gave the team a boost," he said. "Kim was very creative and wanted the ball a lot, and he got it, so I'm pleased."

Going for a win
Sweden and Denmark now sit first and second in the section with Italy third. Lagerbäck stressed that his side would be going for a win against Denmark in their final group match on Tuesday, not the high-scoring draw which could force Italy out of the competition. "I think it's ridiculous to believe that we could arrange it so that the game ends in a 2-2 draw," he said.

Isaksson focus
Meanwhile, last night's goalkeeping hero, Andreas Isaksson, was being linked today with a move to French club Stade Rennais FC from Djurgårdens IF. "I hope everything will be resolved soon," he said. "I want to go to Rennes, and hopefully it will all be finalised by the end of EURO 2004™."