Eder’s last grasp strike against Sweden takes them through to last 16

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s bid to become the first player to score at four European Championships was foiled as Italy’s Éder Citadin Martins scored two minutes before full time in their Euro 2016 Group E clash on Friday.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s bid to become the first player to score at four European Championships was foiled as Italy’s Éder Citadin Martins scored two minutes before full time in their Euro 2016 Group E clash on Friday.

Eder scores Italy’s first goal in the 88th minute during their Euro 2016 football match against Sweden. (Reuters Photo)

Sweden and Italy were tied 0-0 at a halftime at the Stadium de Toulouse, with the Swedes dominating possession and frustrating the Azzurri.

Before the Group E match, Sweden coach Erik Hamren promised a brighter start compared to the Ireland game and his players didn’t let him down. Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic had an early chance when Kim Kallstrom whipped in a dangerous cross from the left, but Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini made a headed clearance.

Italy secured their place in the last 16 knockout phase after beating Sweden in Toulouse to follow their blistering start to the competition with a 2-0 win over Belgium in Lyon.

Score

Commentary

Team line-ups:

Italy: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Florenzi, Parolo, De Rossi, Giaccherini, Candreva; Pelle, Eder

Coach: Antonio Conte

Sweden: Isaksson; Johansson, Lindeloef, Granqvist, Olsson; Larsson, Ekdal, Kallstrom, Forsberg; Guidetti, Ibrahimovic

Coach: Erik Hamren

(AFP)