Italy v Sweden - MATCH REPORT
Sweden snatch draw with wondergoal
Italy are in danger of crashing out of Euro 2004 at the first hurdle after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Sweden in a pulsating Group C match on Friday.
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| Sweden's striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Top) scores a goal against Italy, 18 June 2004, during their European Nations football championship match at the Dragao stadium in Porto. Italy and Sweden are competing in Group C with Bulgaria and Denmark. |
A cheeky back-heeled goal from Zlatan Ibrahimovic five minutes from time salvaged a point for the Swedes after Antonio Cassano's first-half header had given Italy the lead.
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| Italy's forward Antonio Cassano (back) is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a goal against Sweden, 18 June 2004 at the Dragao stadium in Porto, during their Euro 2004 Group C football match at the European Nations championships in Portugal. AFP PHOTO Vincenzo PINTO |
Sweden and Denmark have four points from their two matches, while Italy are in third place with two points.
Even a win in their final group game against Bulgaria on Tuesday may not be enough for Italy to finish in the top two and reach the last eight.
The only team sure of qualifying is the winner of the match between Denmark and Sweden.
Italy, playing without the suspended Francesco Totti, will be kicking themselves that they didn't put away a hatful of chances and allowed Ibrahimovic to rescue a point.
After a series of near misses, Italy finally took the lead in the 37th minute.
Christian Panucci evaded two tackles on the right and delivered a left-footed cross for Cassano whose flicked header gave Isaksson no chance.
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| Italy's defender Alessandro Nesta (L) fights for the ball with Sweden's striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 18 June 2004 during their European Nations football championships match at the Dragao stadium in Porto. Italy and Sweden are competing in Group C with Bulgaria and Denmark. |
Two minutes later Gattuso picked up his second booking of the tournament, ruling him out of Italy's must-win match against Bulgaria.
Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro, making his 80th appearance for the Azzurri, also earned a one-match suspension when was booked a minute into the second-half before Vieri's volley sped past the post.
Buffon kept the Scandinavian side at bay as Sweden pressed for a leveller and their prayers were answered in the 85th minute when Ibrahimovic's adacious effort fell over the goalline.
It was one of the goals of the tournament and a worthy effort to earn a point for the Swedes.