As Sweden made their way into Euro 2016, it was a one-man-show in the Scandinavian derby against Denmark, it was but one name that was on everyone’s lips — Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
With Sweden carrying an uncertain 2-1 lead to their away leg, the match seemed to be finely balanced on a knife-edge. However, two goals by Zlatan Ibrahimovic (one of them a spectacular curling free kick) put the Swedes in the driving seat, as the Danes required four goals to win the match.
This guy!!!! Love him!! a? Y YZ YZ YZ #Zlatan #Ibrahimovic sends #Sweden to Euro 2016! ?Y @visubal pic.twitter.com/pmjMSYhnbc
a Sharon Heidaripour (@OneLifePerform) November 18, 2015 .
Denmark did manage to avenge a couple of those goals, with Christian Poulsen and Jannik Vestergaard getting on the scoresheet, but that was not enough to stop the Swedes from entering the Euro 2016. With every great Zlatan victory comes a great Zlatan quote. There has been speculation that Ibrahimovic might retire quite soon. However the 34-year-old gave a fitting reply to these rumours, referring to Denmark’s exit and their coach Morten Olsen’s subsequent retirement from the post after 15 years at the helm.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic on Denmark: “They wanted me to retire, so I sent their whole country into retirement.” EURO…Lol a Temosho Glen (@JustGlenT) November 18, 2015
Twitter was abuzz with fans and pundits marvelling at Ibrahimovic, after this great performance. Here are some of the best tweets.
Good news for Euro 2016: @Ibra_official qualifies with Sweden. Two goals, including a great free-kick, v Denmark tonight.
a Henry Winter (@henrywinter) November 17, 2015
Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Has now scored 10 goals in his last 10 appearances for Sweden #DENSWE a WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) November 17, 2015
@SportsCenter Zlatan Ibrahimovic and his 2 goals to help Sweden qualify for the Euros #SC3stars
a Nate (@N8Burnish) November 18, 2015
Ibrahimovic looks a lot like Jesus from Big Lebowski a Michael Hagesfeld (@mhagesfeld) November 18, 2015
There is Only One Ibrahimovic… and he is Zlatan, All hail the King… IBRACADABRA Special.@Ibra_official
a Adams Tosin (@hadamz_t) November 18, 2015
Ibrahimovic doesn’t age. a Louis Wong (@wonglouis94) November 18, 2015
The whole football fraternity will miss Ibrahimovic when he retires bro. What an entertainment he’s been.
a A F R I C A N B O Y (@_ngareh) November 18, 2015
The following tweet takes the cake though.
Just seen the football scores from last night – as has been said by many – good to see that Euro 2016 has qualified for Zlatan Ibrahimovic. a Usman Ahmad (@UsmanAhmad_iam) November 18, 2015
