Ibrahimovic delivers early for Sweden

Kazakhstan 0 Sweden 1

The Paris St Germain forward struck after just 27 seconds at the Astana Arena to ensure Erik Hamren’s men followed up Friday’s win over the Republic of Ireland with three more points. With the runners-up spot within reach, Sweden were eager to get the goals in Astana which would put further pressure on chasing Austria and the Republic of Ireland.

But even they could not have envisaged the start given to them by Ibrahimovic, who benefited from a swift attack by carving his way through the home defence before slotting the ball into the bottom right corner.