..::Football III::..

[unicornx]

Casillas reaches 100 clean sheets for Spain

Spain skipper Iker Casillas made it 100 clean sheets at international level as he shut out England in his side's 2-0 win in Alicante on Friday night.

Casillas drew level with Spain's all-time record appearance holder Andoni Zubizarreta on 126 caps in a game against England back in November 2011 and started this one to feature for the 165th time for La Roja.

That mark sees him draw level with former Latvia midfielder Vitalijs Astafjevs on the most caps won by a European player, with the Porto goalkeeper now set to move clear of that tally in the coming months.

And against England again on Friday he made it 100 clean sheets for Spain (a feat never before achieved at international level) in what was a largely quiet evening for the experienced shot-stopper.

Apart from one smart save from Harry Kane right at the end, it was comfortable enough for Casillas, who captained Spain to back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012 as well as the World Cup in 2010.

The 34-year-old is still being backed by coach Vicente del Bosque and will now hope to lead Spain to glory again at Euro 2016 in France next year.

And if he remains in favour, the three-time Champions League winner will almost certainly become the all-time leading appearance holder in international footballer - a record currently held by former Egypt midfielder Ahmed Hassan (who won 184 caps between 1995 and 2012).

"Iker should be proud, extremely proud, of what he has achieved,” Del Bosque said before the match against England. "If it wasn’t for us, he may have already beaten Hassan's record, but it has been healthy to give games to [Pepe] Reina, [Victor] Valdes and now to [David] De Gea.

"Great players have to be more generous with the ones who play less and Iker is generous."

 

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Benzema tells police of role in Valbuena case

Karim Benzema has admitted to playing the role of an intermediary between Mathieu Valbuena and his friend Karim Zenati according to exerts of the France striker's police hearing published by AFP.

Benzema was charged by a court in Versailles last week with complicity in an attempt to blackmail and participating in a criminal conspiracy as part of an investigation into a plot to extort money from Lyon midfielder Valbuena.

According to the AFP report, during a third interview in police custody on November 5, Benzema said that he spoke to Zenati about discussing the situation with Valbuena after Zenati was approached by the alleged blackmailers.

"I had a conversation with Zenati on the way to talk about this with Mathieu Valbuena," Benzema is quoted as saying.

On Wednesday, a copy of a telephone conversation between Benzema and Zenati was released in which the footballer is said to have told Valbuena "if you want the sex tape to be destroyed, come see my friend in Lyon".

At his police hearing, Benzema described himself how he supported Zenati when his friend was in prison for previous offences and described their relationship as "close".

However, he denied acting with any intention to benefit Zenati and said the situation left him feeling "like a jerk".

"I am embarrassed for my friend Karim Zenati," Benzema said. "When he was released from prison, and even when he was in jail, I took care of him. We are close."

He added: "The fact that Karim Zenati benefits [from] something wasn't my intention. I didn't think. I am shocked, frankly, I feel like a jerk when I see all this […] I didn't act with a hidden agenda."

The case is ongoing and Valbuena is yet to speak to investigators. Neither Benzema nor Valbuena were included in the latest France squad for their friendlies against Germany and England.

-_-

 

[unicornx]

Spain Vs England 2-0 - Mario Gaspar Fantastic Goal - November 13 2015

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[Wolverine GTR]

Busquets is Spain's pass master in victory over England

Spain eventually capitalised on their possession dominance as second-half goals from Mario Gaspar and Santi Cazorla sealed a 2-0 win over England.

It was a first defeat in 16 games for Roy Hodgson's side, who faced an experienced midfield of Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and Sergio Busquets.

And it was Busquets who kept Spain ticking over and England's midfielders chasing their tails with a 100% pass completion rate...

There was also another international milestone for Iker Casillas in his 165th cap for Spain...

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Impressive' Spain showed we can beat anyone, says Fabregas

Cesc Fabregas believes Friday's 2-0 friendly win over England demonstrated how Spain have improved since last year's World Cup disappointment.

Spain registered one of the tournament's worst title defences as they became just the fifth holder to be eliminated in the group stage after winning just one game in Brazil.

Chelsea midfielder Fabregas believes second-half goals from Mario Gaspar and Santi Cazorla confirmed Vicente del Bosque's side were a match for any team in the world.

"We recovered things we were missing at the last World Cup," the 28-year-old told ITV .

"Tonight we proved we can beat anyone because England are a great squad full of quality players.

"The way we played against them showed our football was impressive."

Spain won Euro 2008 and 2012 and World Cup 2010 before suffering a humiliating competition exit in Brazil.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Griezmann's sister unharmed at Bataclan after Paris attacks

France and Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann has revealed that his sister was perilously close to being among the 80 dead at the Bataclan Concert Hall in Paris' attacks on Friday.

Of the five locations in which attacks occurred in the French capital, the Bataclan - with a capacity of 1,500 people - has the highest death toll following gunmen opening fire at US rock group Eagles of Death Metal's gig.

Griezmann himself was at the centre of the storm as explosions outside Stade de France led to players and fans being trapped inside the ground after the Euro 2016 hosts had triumphed 2-0 over Germany.

The 24-year-old explained to his Twitter followers how his sister was among those who survived the Bataclan massacre, which ended when three of the four armed attackers blew themselves up and the fourth was killed by French security forces.

"Thanks God my sister was able to leave the Bataclan, my prayers are now with the families of the victims," he tweeted. "May God takes care of my sister and the rest of France."

The France Football Federation (FFF) closed Clairefontaine for players, coaches and journalists on Saturday as France mourned those who had lost their lives in the string of attacks, which has so far has left 120 people dead.

Tuesday's scheduled friendly between France and England is expected to be called off once the nation's two football associations have liaised on Saturday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Blind annoyed by Netherlands's defensive frailties despite win

Netherlands head coach Danny Blind rued his team's defensive lapses after conceding twice from set-piece moves in the 3-2 friendly victory over Wales.

The Dutch, who missed out on Euro 2016 qualification following a fourth-place finish in Group A, downed Chris Coleman's side with Arjen Robben netting twice.

However, despite sealing a morale-lifting victory, Blind was more interested at highlighting the areas his side could improve upon.

"It was quite annoying that we have had to weather two goals from set-pieces,'' Blind told SBS6 .

"We just have to pay attention. In qualifying we conceded three or four [goals] from corners or free-kicks. That should really be much better.

"We started well, but fell asleep again and had our backs to the situation. When you have the right focus you do not miss the overall picture.

"We had to come back into the Wales game, while we could have been 3-1 or 4-1 ahead."

Blind paid tribute to brace-scorer Robben, featuring in just his second international fixture in over a year.

"Without his quality and experience we cannot [play] and the same goes for Wesley Sneijder. It was good that Arjen was there again," he said.

"The team was fantastic. Too bad he will not be in the party for Tuesday against Germany."

Robben revealed after the win in Cardiff he would return to Bayern Munich and would not be featuring in next week's friendly.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo reveals the best manager he's ever worked with

Cristiano Ronaldo believes that Sir Alex Ferguson is the best coach he’s ever worked with.

Ronaldo was signed by Ferguson as an 18-year-old for £12.2 million in 2003 and went on to win three Premier League titles and the Champions League during his six seasons at Manchester United.

The Madrid star, who has also played under Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti, explains why the retired United boss is the best manager he’s ever had.

"I just have to say thank you for what [Ferguson] did for me," the Portugal international said in an interview with Jonathan Ross for ITV.

"We had an important game in the Champions League and I said, 'Coach I need to go to see my daddy' and I was a key player, I was a very important player and he said, 'Listen, your personal life, your family is the important thing that you have in your life. If you want to go three days, four days, five days you can go'.

"This moment is what I keep for me because it was the most important time in my life and he shared it with me. This is why I respect him and for me he's the best coach I ever had."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Del Bosque: Spain's style will not change

Vicente del Bosque felt Spain's comfortable 2-0 win over England on Friday was a vindication of the team's playing style.

The reigning European champions won nine of their 10 qualifying matches to earn the right to defend their crown in France next year but doubts have continued to linger around a side that was dumped out of the 2014 World Cup in the group stages.

In Alicante, however, Spain controlled possession against England in typical style before Mario Gaspar brought a largely uneventful match to life with a stunning volleyed opener in the 72nd minute.

Substitute Santi Cazorla sealed the victory six minutes from time to leave Del Bosque feeling particularly pleased with both his team and his footballing philosophy.

"The style will be the same no matter what formation we use, that's what we try to do - have our own style of play," the former Real Madrid boss told a post-match media conference.

"It is a result of prestige against a powerful and strong team, which constantly threatened us."

Gaspar, who also scored from right-back on his international debut against Ukraine last month, earned praise from his coach alongside under-pressure striker Diego Costa and Nolito, the Celta Vigo forward who made a lively second-half substitute appearance and set up Cazorla's goal.

"We are very pleased with Nolito and Mario, who has scored in two games," Del Bosque said. "They have done well, there have been superb.

"Diego Costa has worked well at the level of the team. England is a strong and powerful team."

Del Bosque revealed that David de Gea would replace Iker Casillas in goal for next week's trip to face Belgium in Brussels, while he played down fears over Thiago Alcantara's first-half withdrawal against England.

"Thiago was removed as a precaution," he added. "Tomorrow [Saturday] he will be tested to see how he is."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Thiago Alcantara out of Spain squad with knee injury

Thiago Alcantara has pulled out of the Spain squad for Tuesday's international friendly against Belgium due to a knee injury.

The Bayern Munich midfielder was forced off just 27 minutes into his country's 2-0 friendly win over England on Friday and, after undergoing a scan the following morning, has now been sent back to Bavaria for further treatment.

A statement on the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) website read: "He carried out an MRI scan and results show an edema in the proximal insertion of the medial collateral ligament on his right knee caused by indirect trauma suffered in the match against England.

"Taking into account the operations the player has undergone and as a matter of prevention, it has been decided for the player to leave the Spain camp and carry out further tests and work with Bayern Munich's medical staff, who have been in constant contact with Spain's staff since the footballer left the pitch at the Spain-England friendly."

Thiago missed the majority of the 2014-15 campaign due to a knee injury but has been a key figure for Bayern this season, making 17 appearances in all competitions.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

France confirm England friendly will go ahead

The French Football Federation (FFF) and the English FA have confirmed Tuesday's international friendly at Wembley will go ahead as planned.

There were doubts as to whether the match would take place following Friday's terrorist attacks in Paris, but both countries have now agreed to let the game take place as scheduled.

Latest figures from French officials report 128 people were killed and another 99 remain critical after what appeared to be co-ordinated terror acts in the French capital, including three fatalities outside the Stade de France during Les Bleus international friendly against Germany.

A blast was heard during France's 2-0 victory, with fans and players kept inside the stadium long after the game had finished.

All sporting events due to be staged in Paris this weekend have been postponed following the horrific attacks, but France will take to the pitch again on Tuesday.

Speaking on Saturday, FA Chairman Greg Dyke said: “Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the city of Paris after these terrible atrocities.

"On behalf of The FA, I want to express our sorrow and send our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of those who have lost their lives.

“After consulting this morning with the French Football Federation and the British Government, we have decided together that the match between our two countries at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday night should go ahead.

"We will use the opportunity to pay our respects to all affected and also to express our solidarity with the people of France.”

All Uefa-sanctioned matches over the coming days, including the Euro 2016 play-offs, will be preceded by a minute's silence, while teams involved in these fixtures will also wear black armbands as a mark of respect.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Moyes stopped me doing tricks, reveals former Man Utd midfielder

Wilfried Zaha claims that David Moyes urged him to stop doing tricks after he joined Manchester United.

Zaha was Sir Alex Ferguson’s final signing at United but following Moyes’ arrival in the summer of 2013, the 23-year-old made just three first-team appearances before eventually returning to Crystal Palace on a permanent deal in February 2015.

"Under David Moyes I had to adjust my game," Zaha told Soccer AM.

"Certain managers want a trustworthy player, someone that will always keep the ball.

"But he was the only one who told me to stop some of the tricks and keep the ball in certain areas. So I tried to adjust my game then."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Capello: Not right to compare Inter with my Milan

Fabio Capello has admitted that he is irritated by the fact that Inter are currently being compared to his great AC Milan side of the early 1990s.

The Italian coach took charge of the Rossoneri for the first time in 1991 and led the San Siro side to three successive Scudetti.

Milan, famously, scored just 36 goals during their triumphant 1993-94 campaign and conceded only 15 times over the course of what was then a 34-game season.

With Inter currently joint-top of Serie A after winning eight of their 12 games by a solitary goal, many pundits are drawing comparisons between the two sides.

However, Capello finds such talk disrespectful, telling the Gazzetta dello Sport: "In those years there, we played...

"That year, 93-94, my Milan had come off three consecutive seasons in which they'd played in the Champions League.

"And don't forget that we were missing [star striker Marco] Van Basten for a lot of time.

"To compare these two groups doesn't seem right to me. Inter are a team that is growing.

"Milan in those days had a great defensive strength, a concept born of former coach Nils Liedholm and further improved by Arrigo Sacchi."

Meanwhile, Capello bemoaned the fact that there are no so few home-grown players present in the starting line-ups of Serie A's strongest sides.

"There are squads with six, seven and even eight foreigners and the real problem is that the clubs going out of their way to find them," the former England and Russia boss added.
"It makes me think from this point of view, on a mental level, we haven't worked hard enough in favour of the Italian players.

"And it's a shame because I see that we are in a moment of growth, with so many promising boys.

"Some are turning out really well, thanks to good teachers and trainers."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Russia 1-0 Portugal: Shirokov snatches late win for hosts

Captain Roman Shirokov scored the only goal of the game with a minute remaining to give Russia a deserved 1-0 friendly win over Portugal.

Russia peppered the Portugal goal throughout Saturday's friendly contest in Krasnodar, but were seemingly heading for a frustrating stalemate.

However, skipper Shirokov came up with the goods in the 89th minute when he side-footed home from close range to finish a fine Russia move.

It was no less than Russia deserved and the scoreline could have had more gloss with Artyom Dzyuba hitting the crossbar in the opening period, while Shirokov missed great chances in either half.

Head coach Leonid Slutsky, who is combining the role with his CSKA Moscow duties, has now won five straight matches since replacing Fabio Capello, form that saw them qualify for Euro 2016.

Portugal, who also qualified for the Euros, had won five of their last six but an experimental side - lacking captain Cristiano Ronaldo - created few clear-cut chances, with Goncalo Guedes going closest for the visitors in the first half.

Before kick-off, the teams observed an impeccable minute's silence in honour of the victims of the attacks in Paris.

When play got underway Russia enjoyed the better of the opening 20 minutes with Dzyuba causing particular problems.

First the Zenit striker was denied by a great last-ditch tackle from Pepe when shaping to shoot from eight yards, before he saw a left-foot half-volley saved by the foot of Rui Patricio and then hit the bar with a thumping header.

Russia were denied again as Shirokov was played in on the right of the area, only for the captain's low drive across goal to be saved brilliantly by Patricio.

The hosts' wastefulness was almost punished when debutant Guedes glided through the Russia defence and struck a low shot from the edge of the box that Igor Akinfeev parried to safety.

Portugal were let off the hook shortly after the break, though.

Dzyuba's clever flick found Shirokov wide open in the area, but the midfielder stabbed his shot wide of the left-hand post.

Russia continued to probe and Pavel Mamaev poked a half-volley wide from the edge of the box shortly after the hour mark.

Portugal brought on Ruben Neves and Lucas Joao for their international debuts in a bid to spark some momentum.

But it did little to alter the pattern of the game and Russia had the ball in the back of the net in the 74th minute, only for Fyodor Smolov's goal to be rightly ruled out for a deliberate handball that earned the substitute a yellow card.

However, the home fans were celebrating in the final minute. Smolov's ball from the left was touched into Shirokov's path and he passed the ball past Patricio.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Xavi: Busquets must become Barcelona's leader

Xavi believes Sergio Busquets must become the new leader of Barcelona on the back of the midfielder's impressive start to the new season.

The 27-year-old has played in all 11 of his side's league matches in 2015-16 and Xavi, now playing for Al Sadd in Qatar, expects him to fill the void he and Carles Puyol have left.

"I'm a huge fan of Busquets and he's a very close friend," Xavi told Marca.

"He's in game-changing, match-winning form, setting up goals, getting his hands dirty and putting the opposition under pressure in their own half.

"He has to step up and lead this Barcelona team over the next few years, both out on the pitch and in the dressing room."

Barcelona are three points clear at the top of La Liga going into next Saturday's Clasico against Real Madrid and Xavi has been impressed by his former side's performances in the absence of the injured Lionel Messi.

"Based on their most recent league performances, Barcelona look the stronger of the two teams going into the game, but you never know what might happen during a Clasico," he said.

"Barcelona are on an outstanding run of form even with Messi out injured. The team are doing a really, really good job and there is plenty of competition for places. They look great to me.

"I hope Messi will be fit for the Clasico for entertainment's sake and that of the game itself. Football cannot afford to not have Messi out on the pitch."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Beckham: Zidane hit hard by Paris attacks

David Beckham has revealed that Zinedine Zidane pulled out of Saturday's Unicef Match for Children at Old Trafford because he was so devastated by the tragic terrorist attacks on Paris on Friday.

France icon Zidane was set to travel from Madrid to Manchester on Saturday but decided against doing so the night before after learning of the events unfolding in his nation's capital.

And Beckham was understanding of the World Cup winner's choice and expressed his sympathy with his former Real Madrid team-mate.

"I understood why Zizou took the decision not to play," Beckham told reporters at Old Trafford.

"He was very respectful to me after the promise to play but I totally understood.

"He's a friend first off and also a very passioante man. Being French, it obviously hit him very hard last night.

"On behalf of myself, the managers, the players and everyone involved today, we all send condolences to the people who have lost loved ones in Paris.

"Our hearts go out to everyone in Paris."

The ex-Manchester United midfielder revealed that there was a slight concern that Saturday's game would be cancelled in the wake of the traumatic attacks.

"There was a slight concern once the news hit last night. It's terribly devastating to see the scenes that we all saw. Unfortunately we see those scenes around the world. It's devastating."

Another former France international, Patrick Vieira, also withdrew from the charity clash after being left in a state of shock by the Islamic State-organised bombings and shootings that resulted in the deaths of 128 people.

Beckham, of course, finished his professional career with Paris Saint-Germain and he was devastated to see a city he retains such affection for traumatised by the attacks.

"Paris has always been one of my most favourite cities in the world. I have great memories of Paris over the years, not just from my time with PSG.

"I played my 100th England game there and the support I had from the French people was incredible that day. I got a standing ovation when I walked off the pitch.

"Then to go back to PSG and end my career there, winning their first championship in 19 years... it's always been a special place.

"It's sad to see what happened yesterday and, unfortunately, it's happening around the world as well."

There was speculation that Tuesday's friendly between England and France would be called off due to the attacks, but it has been confirmed that it will go ahead as scheduled, though Beckham says he is not entirely sure if it should be played.

"I don't know, that's not my decision," he added. "I don't like to get involved in politics; I don't know enough about it.

"I think, if the game goes ahead, it shows some power that the game has, but we have to show huge respect to the people who have lost loved ones."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Diarra confirms cousin death in Paris attacks

Lassana Diarra's cousin was among the victims of Friday's terror attacks in Paris, the France midfielder has confirmed.

Diarra played 80 minutes of France's 2-0 friendly win over Germany at the Stade de France and it later emerged that three people were killed following a bomb blast at the Gate J part of the stadium.

This incident was one of a series of attacks that saw over 120 people killed and a further 99 in critical condition, according to the latest figures released by French officials.

In a social media post on Saturday, Diarra announced that his cousin Asta Diakite was killed in the attacks.


Diarra's statement read: "Following the dramatic events that took place yesterday at Paris and Saint-Denis, it's with infinite sadness that I'm talking today.

"As you may know, I was personally affected by these attacks. My cousin, Asta Diakite, is one of the victims of one of the attacks that took place yesterday, as were around 100 other innocent French people. She was, for me, a source of support; a big sister.

"In this atmosphere of terror, it's very important for all of us who are representing our country and its diversity to talk and stay close together in front of something horrible, which has no colour and no religion.

"Together we all have to protect love, respect and peace. Thanks for your support and your messages. Take care of yourself and yours and may the victims rest in peace."
Diarra's international team-mate Antoine Griezmann earlier announced that his sister survived the attack on the Bataclan theatre.

At least 87 fatalities were reported from the Bataclan, where American rock band Eagles of Death Metal were performing when gunmen stormed the venue.

Restaurants and bars in the city's 10th and 11th arrondissement, nearby to the Bataclan, also suffered fatal shooting attacks. It is unclear in which attack Diakite was killed.

All sporting events due to be staged in Paris this weekend have been postponed, but the French Football Federation (FFF) has confirmed Tuesday's international friendly with England at Wembley will go ahead as planned.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Never say never! - Beckham says Ronaldo could return to Manchester United

David Beckham believes Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo could return to Manchester United before he retires.

Ronaldo enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at Old Trafford before moving to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2009 and going on to become the Spanish side's all-time record goalscorer in October.

However, speculation is rife that the Portuguese superstar is unhappy with his role under new Real coach Rafael Benitez, prompting talk of a possible move back to Old Trafford at the end of the season.

Beckham, who played for both clubs, believes Ronaldo is still happy in Marid but the former England captain is in no doubt that a return to Manchester would appeal to the Ballon d'Or holder.

"I've always said he's loved by the fans here," Beckham told reporters at a press conference after Saturday's Unicef Match for Children at Old Trafford. "With Cristiano, he's not just a great talent but also a hard worker. People appreciate that.

"When he first came to United he got a bit of criticism - not from United fans - but the way he plays is so special and unique. Anyway, he works hard, which surprised some people. That's what is special about him.

"He spent a great deal of time at United and was very successful and then went to Madrid, another one of the biggest clubs in the world, and I think he is enjoying it there.

"But never say never! You never know what could happen."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sweden 2-1 Denmark: Ibrahimovic penalty gives hosts the edge

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's penalty handed Sweden a narrow advantage at the halfway point of their Euro 2016 qualifying play-off tie against Denmark.

The hosts put an uncertain start behind them in Solna to pin Denmark back during an absorbing first half in which Paris Saint-Germain superstar Ibrahimovic was the focal point for much of their good work.

But it was the comparatively unheralded Emil Forsberg – who plies his trade with RB Leipzig in Germany's 2.Bundesliga – who found the breakthrough with a crisp finish on the stroke of half-time.

Ibrahimovic would add his first goal against Sweden's near neighbours, in addition to his eight in as many appearances during the group stage, after 50 minutes when Forsberg won a penalty.

Erik Hamren's team briefly threatened to dish out a thrashing but Denmark rallied and substitute Nicolai Jorgensen snatched a potentially crucial away goal.

The outside of the Friends Arena was illuminated in the colours of the French flag as a mark of respect to the victims of Friday's terror attacks in Paris.

Following a pre-match minute's silence, both teams looked to make positive starts and Demark duo William Kvist and Thomas Kahlenberg had attempts blocked from inside the area.

Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel made an impressive reaction save to thwart Marcus Berg, who had connected with Oscar Lewicki's low cross – an attack that sparked the hosts into action.

Panathinaikos striker Berg headed over from a Kim Kallstrom corner before Nicklas Bendtner failed to punish an unconvincing punch from Andreas Isaksson at the other end.

Sweden centre-back Mikael Antonsson limped out of the action due to an apparent hip problem after 30 minutes to be replaced by Erik Johansson.

Berg dragged a shot wide from eight yards having opted against a return pass to Ibrahimovic – much to his striker partner's disdain - before Ibrahimovic fizzed a shot narrowly past the upright.

But Denmark were left to rue another Bendtner miss when Jimmy Durmaz's wonderful back-heel released Mikael Lustig down the right flank and his cutback was steered home by Forsberg.

Ibrahimovic almost made it two with the final act of the half, Schmeichel remarkably tipping a rasping free-kick wide after Daniel Agger had been booked for crudely hacking down the Sweden captain on the edge of the area.

The interval did not provide sufficient time for Denmark to clear their heads and, after Ibrahimovic had headed over, Kahlenberg clumsily fouled Forsberg in the box.

Ibrahimovic's powerful shot was enough to beat Schmeichel's dive from 12 yards.

Denmark coach Morten Olsen sought to check a now rampant Sweden by introducing Jorgensen and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in place of Kahlenberg and the ineffective Viktor Fischer.

Ibrahimovic had a goal correctly ruled out for offside before Denmark belatedly stirred.

A deflected cross from Lars Jacobsen looped toward goal, forcing Isaksson to tip behind, and from Christian Eriksen's resulting corner Bendtner planted a header wide.

Sweden invited further pressure and they paid the price 10 minutes from time, with set-piece marking again proving to be a weakness as Jorgensen turned in at the far post.

John Guidetti replaced Ibrahimovic for the closing stages and an increasingly ragged Sweden unconvincingly held on to their lead ahead of the second leg in Copenhagen on Tuesday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Gary Neville: Manchester United should sign Bale, not Ronaldo

Gary Neville believes Manchester United would be better off signing Gareth Bale from Real Madrid than bringing back Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo left Old Trafford to join los Blancos for a world-record fee in 2009, and has gone on to win the Ballon d'Or twice during his time in Spain.

The Portugal star has repeatedly been linked with a return to Manchester during the latter stages of his career.

But Neville says Bale, Ronaldo's team-mate who is four years younger, would be a smarter signing.

“The idea of Cristiano coming back as his swansong, well it wouldn’t be the same for him as it was before," Neville told the Daily Star.

“What he did before at United was, for two years, out of this world and it was a privilege to be part of it. But I would certainly prefer us to get Bale - and that’s no disrespect to Cristiano.”

Rumours are rife that Ronaldo - now Madrid's all-time top scorer - could seek an exit out of the club after falling out with new coach Rafael Benitez.