Last Updated: March 25, 2023, 05:05 IST
Zlatan Ibrahimovic made his return to the Sweden aspect as their kicked-off their Euro 2024 marketing campaign towards Belgium. (Image: Reuters)
AC Milan’s Ibrahimovic final weekend grew to become the oldest participant to attain a objective in Serie A historical past
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the 41-year-old Swedish striker, on Friday grew to become the second oldest participant to characteristic in a European championship qualifier however his landmark evening led to a sobering 3-0 defeat to Belgium.
Ibrahimovic got here on as a 73rd-minute substitute within the Euro 2024 group recreation in Solna.
The Swedish star, born on October 3, 1981, was initially hailed as the oldest man to participate in a European qualifier.
However, it then emerged that Gibraltar striker Lee Casciaro, born on September 29, 1981, had taken the file in his group’s match on Friday towards Greece.
At 41 years, 5 months and 21 days, Ibrahimovic continues to be forward of former Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff, who performed towards Sweden on May 29, 1983, at 41 years, three months and sooner or later.
AC Milan’s Ibrahimovic final weekend grew to become the oldest participant to attain a objective in Serie A historical past.
Earlier this week, he insisted he desires to play on the Euro finals in Germany subsequent 12 months when he might be 42 and the oldest participant to ever take part within the event.
However, he faces a troublesome battle to fulfill that ambition Romelu Lukaku bagged a hat-trick to offer new Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco a successful begin after succeeding Roberto Martinez.
“Those are three essential factors. Taking three factors and scoring three targets in Sweden isn’t straightforward for any group,” said Tedesco.
“Winning is always the best thing to unite a group. As for my selection choices — the boys have shown that I wasn’t wrong.”
Inter Milan striker Lukaku opened the scoring simply after the half-hour mark, glancing Dodi Lukebakio’s cross into the far nook.
Lukebakio additionally created Lukaku’s second of the evening.
Substitute Johan Bakayoko turned supplier for Lukaku’s third with seven minutes remaining as Belgium recorded a fifteenth successive European qualifying win.
“There had been three 19-year-olds on the market at the moment. Others of their early 20s,” said Bakayoko, himself just 19.
“Stars were talking and laughing with everyone. A new generation is coming.”
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(This story has not been edited by News18 workers and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed)
