Sweden welcomed neighbours Denmark to Solna on Saturday for the first leg of their Euro 2016 playoff match.
The visitors had their moments during an open first period, but Sweden entered the interval with a 1-0 lead courtesy of a sweeping effort from Emil Forsberg.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic then added a second for the hosts from the penalty spot early in the second period, but Nicolai Jorgensen's close-range finish 10 minutes from time has left the tie delicately poised ahead of the second leg on Tuesday.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Euro 2016 playoff coverage continues from Solna as Sweden welcome Denmark for the first leg of their qualifier for next summer's showpiece event. The all-Nordic affair is perhaps the tie of the playoff round and only one of these teams will make the competition in France. It is a massive game between two nations that are meeting for the 105th time in all competitions this evening.
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news...
TEAMS:
SWE: Isaksson; Lustig, Granqvist, Antonsson, Olsson; Lewicki, Kallstrom, Durmaz, Forsberg; Ibrahimovic, Berg
DEN: Schmeichel; Jacobsen, Kjaer, Agger, Durmisi; Kvist, Kahlenberg, Eriksen; Braithwaite, Bendtner, Fischer
No real surprises in the Sweden XI this evening, with Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic skippering the hosts. Kim Kallstrom and Mikael Lustig have also been named in the team, while Marcus Berg will provide support in the final third. Sunderland pair Sebastian Larsson and Ola Toivonen, however, are both named among the substitutes. Tonight will also bring a seventh Swedish cap for midfielder Oscar Lewicki.
As for Denmark, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Christian Eriksen starts in what looks to be a 4-3-3 formation. As expected, controversial forward Nicklas Bendtner will lead the line for the visitors, while there is a spot in the final third for Ajax attacker Viktor Fischer. Former Liverpool defender Daniel Agger will skipper the side from central defence, while Riza Durmisi will win just his sixth cap at left-back tonight.
So there we have it. The teams are in and we are now only around 20 minutes from kickoff this evening. As mentioned, these two nations have met 104 times in all competitions, with Sweden posting 46 wins to Denmark's 40. The pair last met in a friendly in May 2014, when then Liverpool defender Agger scored in a 1-0 Denmark win.
Their last competitive match was in October 2009 and it was a big one as a 1-0 win for Denmark saw Morten Olsen's side pip Sweden to a spot at the 2010 World Cup. That particular match actually ended Sweden's record run of five straight qualifications for major international tournaments. As if this rivalry needed feeding, there is just so much at stake over these two legs.
Sweden will enter this first leg off the back of two 2-0 wins in their final qualification matches, but it was not enough to secure a spot at Euro 2016. They ultimately finished third in Group G on 18 points, with Russia claiming second with 20 points and Austria way in front with 28 points. Sweden won five of their 10 group matches, drawing three and losing twice – far from a disastrous campaign.
Without question, Sweden will have bad memories of their last playoff match for a major tournament having lost out to Portugal for a spot at the 2014 World Cup, but this is their first playoff for a European Championship. Erik Hamren's team have only lost one of their last five competitive matches, however, and will be confident of securing a positive result ahead of the second leg next Tuesday. Kickoff is fast approaching!
As for Denmark, they finished third in Group I during qualification. In truth, it was a disappointing campaign for Olsen's team, who only won three of their eight matches and scored just eight goals. Portugal won the group at a canter on 21 points, but it was Albania that sneaked second ahead of Denmark to qualify for their first major international tournament. As a result, the dreaded playoff system is what is between Denmark and a spot at Euro 2016.
Denmark have not actually scored in their last three competitive matches, however, while they only won once away from home during qualification. They do have previous in terms of European Championship playoff fixtures though, overcoming Israel 8-0 to reach Euro 2000. Olsen's team also have the added advantage of the second leg at home next week. On paper, player-for-player, Denmark look to have the better XI for this game.
Having won the European Championship in 1992, Denmark are actually the only former winners in the playoffs this time around. They have appeared in eight Euro tournaments and memorably lifted the trophy on Swedish soil. Legendary coach Olsen, who has been in charge of the nation since 2000, will also step down after their Euro 2016 journey has come to an end, meaning that he could have just two more matches in charge.
PREDICTION! This is a really tough game to call. Both teams have match-winners in their team, but you do get the feeling that Ibrahimovic needs to play well tonight if Sweden are to win. I think it will ultimately be a tight game between two good teams and I am going to have sit on the fence somewhat and back a 1-1 draw, which would leave matters delicately poised ahead of the second leg next week.
Before the match, there will be a period of reflection here to remember those that perished in the recent Paris terrorism attacks. May they rest in peace.
It was, as expected, wonderfully observed.
KICKOFF! As expected, there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. There is just no downplaying the importance of this match. It means so much to the people of both nations. It is, without question, the pick of the playoff matches for Euro 2016. Right, the visitors get the first period underway...
... the players are also wearing black armbands tonight in respect to the victims of the Paris attacks. As expected, it has been a fast start, with the crowd in wonderful voice. This should be an explosive game!
Fast start from Sweden here, with Durmaz's willingness to drive forward bringing an early set piece after Berg had caused problems inside the Denmark box. The visitors manage to clear the danger, but you sense that it might be coming straight back. No time to settle into this one!
Denmark make good ground down the right with Braithwaite, but the number eight cannot pick out a teammate inside the box and Isaksson is on hand to claim. Sweden are straight back down the other end with Ibrahimovic, who attempts to test Schmeichel, but his effort was always wide of the post.
Super block from Granqvist as the Swede gets across to deny a goal-bound strike from Braithwaite!
Braithwaite has been very lively in the opening seven minutes and the midfielder again comes close following some dodgy Sweden defending, but his latest effort is blocked for a corner! Fast start here.
Very promising signs for Denmark as Eriksen fires over the crossbar from outside the box. The visitors have moved the ball very well in the early stages, which has surprised Sweden.
Sweden have just managed to settle in the last couple of minutes, but it is Denmark that are looking the more likely to open the scoring in this game. Ibrahimovic has not seen too much of the ball in the opening 10 minutes, with Denmark largely in control of the possession thus far here.
Just a reminder that this is a two-legged affair and therefore nothing will be decided this evening. Away goals do count double, however, and Denmark will be looking to breach the home side's goal this evening. We are still waiting for the first real opportunity of this game, which has settled down.
Half-chance for the home side as a smart moves ends with Durmaz trying his luck from outside the box, but his effort is deflected into the arms of the Denmark goalkeeper. Ibrahimovic and Berg were both involved in what was a dangerous move from Sweden. Still goalless with 14 minutes played here.
You just get the feeling that the first goal tonight - if there indeed is one - could be very important. There is still a second leg to come, but confidence is such a big thing in football. Ibrahimovic has started to see more of the ball for Sweden, but Durmaz has been their biggest threat thus far.
SAVE! Wonderful goalkeeping from Schmeichel as the Denmark stopper gets across to deny Berg, who had met a low cross from Durmaz. Clearest chance of the match thus far, but Schmeichel was equal to it!
It has been a decent period for the home side in the last couple of minutes, with Berg again coming close after meeting a corner, but his header was wide of the post. Denmark just look a little shaken following that spell of pressure and Ibrahimovic is starting to see more of the ball for the hosts in this game.
It is wonderful work from Fischer as the Denmark attacker dances into the Sweden box before attempting to square a pass into a teammate, but Lustig was across to make the clearance. Both teams have shown that they are capable of opening the scoring with a piece of magic here. Still goalless with 22 minutes played.
Durmaz has been nice and bright for Sweden tonight, with the number 21 causing Denmark problems in a wide position. For the visitors, Fischer has shown some lovely feet in tight areas. Boos ring around the stadium as Bendtner makes use of a mistake from Isaksson, but his strike is straight at the goalkeeper.
Sweden look to have a problem here as Antonsson hits the deck and calls for treatment...
... Antonsson is back on his feet, but he does not look comfortable. Seems to be a hip issue.
Antonsson returns to the field, but there is some movement on the home bench. Surely a change.
Sweden have a free kick in a dangerous area as Kjaer fells Forsberg...
... SWEDEN SUB! First the change is made as Antonsson is replaced by Johansson.
After a long wait, Ibrahimovic strikes the free kick straight into the wall!
CHANCES! Hesitant defending from the away side again presents Sweden with a chance, but Berg clips wide from close range. Berg has an even better chance moments later after being set up by Ibrahimovic, but the striker fires wide of the post from inside the box. A wonderful opportunity for the hosts to score!
The referee has not had to produce a card thus far, but there have been some tasty challenges in this game. Sweden have overcome a difficult start and look the team more likely to make the breakthrough as we approach the latter stages of this first period. Kallstrom's set-piece delivery has been impressive.
It must be said that the opening 36 minutes of this contest have just flown past. Sweden continue to cause problems in a wide area, but the final ball has not always been the best. Berg has had opportunities to score, but the striker's finishing has been poor thus far. Ibrahimovic now looks in the mood.
Free kick for Denmark this time as Granqvist fells Bendtner...
... Eriksen takes, but it is straight into the wall.
The home supporters go bonkers as Ibrahimovic is chopped down in the middle of the park, but the referee is not interested and signals that play will continue. Denmark have just started to find their passing tempo once again, with Eriksen at the heart of it. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Ibrahimovic to send the home side ahead as he turns inside the Denmark box before firing one towards the bottom corner, but he just misses the far post!
Ibrahimovic, who would miss the second leg with another yellow card tonight, is a touch fortunate to escape a booking following a late challenge on Kvist. This game is heating up!
This game has a real derby feel at the moment as both teams continue to dive into challenges, but there has still not been a yellow card in this match. Ibrahimovic is walking a fine line at the moment as his frustration grows, while the Danes have also made a number of late tackles. Not long left in this half.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Denmark to take the lead as Eriksen whips a wonderful cross towards Bendtner, but the forward fires wide from close range!
GOAL! Sweden 1-0 Denmark (Forsberg)
Sweden take the lead in the 45th minute as Lustig drives down the right before squaring a cross into Forsberg, who curls one into the far corner. It is a super finish from the midfielder, moments after Bendtner passed up that chance for Denmark. What a couple of minutes!
BOOKING! Agger (Denmark) is booked for bringing Ibrahimovic down just outside the box.
Ibra to take this for Sweden...
... SAVE! Stunning save from Schmeichel, who turns Ibrahimovic's free kick wide of the post. It was a stinging drive from the Sweden captain, but a quite wonderful stop from the Leicester goalkeeper, whose dad knew a thing or two about making those saves!
HALF-TIME: Sweden 1-0 Denmark
And breathe! The referee brings the first period to a close with Sweden leading 1-0 courtesy of a super finish from Forsberg, who curled one into the bottom corner. Denmark have had their fair share of chances, however, with Bendtner and Braithwaite both coming close. It is delicately poised at the interval, but very much advantage Sweden as the two teams head for the dressing rooms in Solna.
STATS! Denmark have shaded the possession with 54%, but only one of their eight attempts has been on target here. As for Sweden, who overcame a difficult start, they hit the target four times from their eight attempts in the first period. Just the one yellow to report, however, with Agger in the book.
BENCH WATCH! Sweden have already been forced into a change in the first period, with Johansson replacing Antonsson. The hosts, however, still have plenty of options in the shape of Guidetti, Seb Larsson and Toivonen. Denmark, meanwhile, have the likes of Wass, Hojbjerg and Christensen in reserve.
RESTART! Denmark will not panic at this stage with another half and indeed another leg to come, but they will not want to fall 2-0 behind in this tie, that is for sure. What will occur in the second 45 minutes? Hopefully more entertainment! Sweden get the second half underway in Solna...
... no changes from either manager at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both coaches will have alterations in mind as things progress here.
BOOKING! Forsberg (Sweden) is booked for a late challenge on Jacobsen.
It has been a decent start to the second period from Sweden, with their two full-backs both pressing high up the field. A cross from Olsson brings a half-chance for Ibrahimovic, but the skipper's header was always rising over the crossbar. Denmark must improve here.
PENALTY SWEDEN!
Sweden have a penalty as Forsberg is brought to the ground by Kahlenberg!
GOAL! Sweden 2-0 Denmark (Ibrahimovic, pen)
Sweden have their second of the match as Ibrahimovic finds the bottom corner from the penalty spot. It is a wonderful spot kick from the home side's skipper and there is daylight now!
It was not exactly a terrible challenge from Kahlenberg, but it was very untidy and the referee did not have much of an option when Forsberg hit the ground. Ibrahimovic stepped up and he was never going to pass up the chance to make it 2-0. It is a big lead at this stage!
DENMARK SUBS! The visitors make a double change as Kahlenberg and Fischer are replaced by Jorgensen and Hojbjerg, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of the contest. Change is needed!
GOAL DISALLOWED! Ibrahimovic once again has the ball in the back of the net for the home side, but the celebrations are cut short by the offside flag! Denmark need to be really, really careful at this stage.
Just a reminder that the second leg of this playoff match will take place next Tuesday. As it stands, Sweden would be the big favourites to progress, but all is not lost for Denmark, who have shown a threat this evening. Indeed, an away goal this evening would change their feeling ahead of the return game.
CHANCE! Sweden again open up Denmark as a good advantage is played by the referee, but there are no takers on Olsson's low cross into the box, with Agger on hand to clear. Denmark are wobbling at the moment!
A third for Sweden would really harm Denmark at this stage and the hosts continue to press forward as we pass the hour mark in this game. Denmark need to find some inspiration from somewhere in this game!
Just a reminder that Sweden have two permitted changes remaining, while Denmark have one. We are entering the stage of the match where legs will start to tire, which should open up more space. No clear chances to report in the last few minutes, but the tempo is still high as both teams commit men forward.
Berg has not had much luck in front of goal this evening, but the number 19 has performed a key role for the home side - tracking back and complimenting Ibrahimovic in the final third. Denmark are threatening to put something together here, but that final pass is just lacking at the moment from the visitors.
Denmark work the ball across the pitch before Jacobsen delivers from the right, but his deflected cross is palmed over the crossbar by Isaksson. The resulting corner is delivered onto the head of Bendtner, but his effort is wide of the post. The visitors have had chances this evening, that is for sure!
SWEDEN SUB! Seb Larsson replaces Durmaz for the hosts.
Olsson has had a fine game for Sweden this evening, with the left-back always willing to drive forward. More good work from the defender forces another corner, but Schmeichel is on hand to claim. It remains 2-0 to Sweden with little under 20 minutes of this Euro 2016 qualifier first leg remaining in Solna.
DENMARK SUB! Denmark make their third change as Braithwaite is replaced by Y Poulsen.
You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this game. Denmark are in a difficult position at the moment, but one goal would completely change the contest ahead of the second leg. The visitors continue to pass and probe in the final third, but that elusive pass has been difficult to find here.
Another half-chance for the home side as Forsberg delivers a super cross towards the far post, but it was difficult for Ibrahimovic, who could only stretch and fire over the crossbar. Would have been some goal!
Little over 10 minutes of this clash remaining and Ibrahimovic is again at the heart of another Sweden move, but the captain's poked pass towards Berg is just too strong and Schmeichel collects.
GOAL! Sweden 2-1 Denmark (Jorgensen)
Tie back on! Denmark have their away goal as Jorgensen turns home at the far post following a flicked header from Poulsen. Two of the subs have combined to register what could be a massive goal for the visitors. Sweden took their foot off the gas and have been punished here!
SWEDEN SUB! Sweden make their third change as Guidetti replaces Ibrahimovic.
Denmark are really threatening an equaliser at the moment as they continue to commit numbers in the final third. This is a 50/50 game ahead of the second leg as things stand tonight!
Little under five minutes of this first leg remaining and Sweden are almost holding on at the moment as Denmark continue to look the team more likely to add to the scoring in Solna. What a turnaround!
Poulsen, who has been a real threat for Denmark since coming off the bench, again rises in the Sweden box, but the attacker cannot make contact on a super cross from the left. Sweden are just struggling at the moment, but the same cannot be said for the visitors, who are full of it!
Dear me! Johansson slices a low cross from Poulsen, but luckily for the Swedish defender, it goes away from the goal. From my angle that looked to be finding the bottom corner here!
Jorgensen heads a Jacobsen cross over the crossbar as Denmark again come close here.
Three additional minutes will be played.
A win is a win, but Denmark have put themselves in a good position ahead of the second leg on Tuesday. As it stands, a 1-0 home victory would see them advance ahead of Sweden. Not long left in this game and it does appear that the hosts will close out a 2-1 win in Solna tonight.
FULL-TIME: Sweden 2-1 Denmark
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Sweden running out 2-1 winners in the first leg of their Euro 2016 playoff with Denmark. The return match will take place on Tuesday and it is all to play for! Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action!
