Not many things can unify football’s many different circles of fans, especially in this day and age. Then again miracles do happen and what the football world was given by Sweden last night has been considered by some to be a miracle.
I for one though think that’s a bit unfair.
Look at the facts – Yes England had beaten Sweden in their last two meetings but prior to that it had taken 43 years for England to get one over on them. Also when England had managed to get one over on Sweden it was with an experienced line-up; this time around only two players had more than 30 caps in their starting line-up.
Sweden on the other hand had a team brimming with experience and one of the best strikers in world football – Zlatan Ibrahimovic. This was never going to be easy then for Roy Hodgson’s men.
On the opening night of the new Swedish national stadium, the stage was set for Zlatan Ibrahimovic to take the occasion by the scruff of the neck and make it his own. Present one of the most prolific strikers in recent memory with a stage and an opportunity like this one and you know he’s going to take it.
The Swede scored all four of Sweden’s goals – the fourth of which is considered by many to be a contender for best goal ever and it seemed as though justice was done as Ibrahimovic grabbed all the headlines.
It’s about time the whole world appreciated this man’s talents – the 31 year old has done practically everything there is to do in the game, spearheading teams such as Barcelona and AC Milan, winning 9 league titles in the last 11 seasons with colossal clubs all over Europe in the process.
Ibrahimovic has taken a sarcastic stance towards the press in recent months, playing down his talents because no matter what he does no one seems to acknowledge his ability. I admit that he hasn’t performed very well against English teams in the past, scoring only three goals against English club opposition.
But Lionel Messi has only scored five goals against English teams and Messi is arguably one of the best players ever. If you haven’t seen Ibrahimovic’s goals from the England friendly then check them out – that fourth goal is one of the best ever.
I loathe the term but what Ibrahimovic has is an X-factor – something you can’t put your finger on, you’re either going to love him or hate him and I think it’s about time a few more people started loving him.
He has a few years left at best in the game so it’s best to appreciate him while we can still enjoy his tremendous talents.