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| Ibrahimovic chasing the ball with Pereira |
In fact
Ronaldo looked more likely to be sent off than score, and he cut a frustrated
figure for most of the 90 minutes. He was booked for an overzealous challenge
on Isaksson and could have seen a second yellow for his furious protests. The
first half started very brightly, with Joao Moutinho rounding Andreas Isaksson
before hitting the ball into the side netting. A minute later and Johan
Elmander could have given Sweden the lead, poking the ball wide on the volley
when a firmer connection would surely have ended in a goal.
However,
after the initial spark, the first half became an exercise in effective
frustration by the Swedes. Ronaldo and Nani were largely nullified as Portugal
racked up numerous corners without ever effectively testing out Isaksson. In
fact, it was the Swedes that went close before the break, a Kallstrom free kick
inches wide and Rui Patricio forced to palm away a Larsson drive. Sweden
finally suffered some panic at the start of the second half when a Bruno Alves
cross caused panic in the box before Ronaldo fired over.
However,
from that moment on Ibrahimovic appeared to be left deliberately isolated as
Erik Hamren looked to hold on for a draw to take back home.
Portugal
did have the occasional half chance thereafter, Helder Postiga heading over and
Nani having a shot saved at the near post but the Swedish defenders kept them
out manfully until the late goal. All still to play for in Stockholm.
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