PSG forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic has become Sweden's all-time record goal scorer.
The 32-year-old netted a brace in Sweden's friendly against Estonia to reach 50 international goals, overtaking Sven Rydell, who scored the last of his 49 goals against Finland in 1932.
Record holder: Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored his 50th international goal for Sweden after a brace against Estonia
After breaking the record, Ibrahimovic took of his shirt to reveal a message for the fans. It read: 'Ni gjorde det mojligt,' or: 'You made it all possible.'
After making his international debut in 2001, Ibrahimovic scored his first goal for Sweden in his competitive debut - a 3-0 victory over Azerbaijan in a World Cup qualifier.
Since then Sweden's enigmatic captain has gone on to score some of the most memorable goals in recent international history.
At the 2004 European Championships the then-Ajax forward scored arguably the goal of the tournament.
No 1: He has now broken Sven Rydel's record of 49 goals for Sweden, but in double the number of games
An acrobatic effort, the likes of which would become his trademark, found the net against Italy and helped engineer Ibrahimovic a move to Juventus.
But his most memorable international goal came in 2012.
Having already put three past a lacklustre England side, Ibrahimovic scored a spectacular 35-yard bicycle kick to embarrass Joe Hart and earn himself the 2013 FIFA Puskas Award for the best goal of the year.
Sweden's captain broke the record after scoring twice as his side beat Estonia 2-0 in a friendly in Solna.
It was fitting that the 50th goal should be as brazen as the man himself.
Seb Larsson broke down the right before cutting the ball back. The PSG front-man held off the defender before back-heeling the ball past goalkeeper Sergei Pareiko. Ibrahimovic was then booked for removing his shirt in celebration.
Euro 2004: Zlatan Ibrahimovic scores an acrobatic effort against Italy, which earns him a move to Juventus
England: After Joe Hart rushed off his line to clear the ball, Ibrahimovic spied an opportunity to lob him
Award: Ibrahimovic won the FIFA Puskas Award for his bicycle kick goal against England in 2012
Distance: Ibrahimovic's 35-year yard bicycle kick wass representative of his approach to the game
Euro 2012: Just before his move to French side PSG, Ibrahimovic scored against France at Euro 2012
Brazil 2014: Ibrahimovic scored twice against Portugal in their World Cup play-off, but Sweden lost 4-2
Threat: Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored eight goals against England, including four in one game in 2012
Daily Mail
No comments:
Post a Comment