MATCH 14 REVIEW : LAGERBACK HAILS IBRAHIMOVIC

Cassano inventive
Totti's replacement, Antonio Cassano, justified his selection with an inventive performance that was capped off by a headed goal on 37 minutes, but Ibrahimovic had the last say to leave Lagerbäck delighted.

'Quality player'
"In scoring a goal like that Zlatan showed just how strong he is and just how good his technique is," said the coach. "It is marvellous and shows what a quality player he is."

Grew in stature
Lagerbäck conceded that his side were under pressure for long periods but was thrilled with the manner in which they finished the game. "We didn't start very well," he went on. "It was the same as against Bulgaria. But I think we grew as the match went on.

Late gamble
"In the second half we played much better and, in the end, created some chances. Of course we gambled in the last 20 minutes. We wanted [Marcus] Allbäck to play up front, [Henrik] Larsson had a free role and dropped back behind the centre-forwards, and that gave more space to Zlatan and Marcus. We got a little lucky but it paid off."

'Another planet'
Ibrahimovic, who won the Carlsberg Man of the Match award, said: "It's hard to describe how I feel. When I saw the ball going in I was on another planet. The goal means we got one point and we are still leading the group.

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