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Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s international career ends in defeat to Belgium

If Belgium lose they will be third or fourth depending upon the Italy v/s Ireland result.

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Nainggolan struck a brilliant shot from distance to win the game with just six minutes remaining, rifling a shot into the far corner from outside the box.

Belgium will face Group F victor Hungary in the round of 16 on June 26 in Toulouse.

Sweden played much better than in their two drab previous outings, creating chances and testing Thibaut Courtois.

Sweden’s elimination meant the end of forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s global career as he had announced the day before that he would stop playing for his country once the tournament was over.

Most of the pressure was coming from Belgium, though, and Andreas Isaksson pulled off a series of impressive saves from De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Dries Mertens. Sub Christian Benteke nearly made it 2-0 in the dying moments but was denied again by the excellent Isaksson.

He drew a blank as Sweden drew 1-1 with the Republic of Ireland in their first game and lost 1-0 to Italy in their second.

It confirmed the end of Ibrahimovic’s global career and he waved an emotional farewell to the supporters, all dressed in bright yellow, at the end of the game. If only he had received better service in the box.

“I am very proud of what I have achieved and will always bring the Swedish flag with me”.

BELGIUM: Courtois 7, Meunier 7, Alderweireld 6, Vermaelen 6, Vertonghen 6, Witsel 6, Nainggolan 7, De Bruyne 8, Carrasco 6, Hazard 7, R. Lukaku 7.

SWEDEN: Isaksson 7, Lindelöf 6, Johansson 6, Granqvist 7, Olsson 6, Larsson 6, Ekdal 7, Källström 7, Forsberg 6, Berg 6, Ibrahimović 7.

Desperate not to allow Wednesday night’s encounter inside the Allianz Riviera be his last in a Swedish shirt, Ibrahimovic was evidently doing everything he could to try and break the deadlock, but centre-half Thomas Vermaelen hooked away a unsafe ball in the 21st minute to prevent him a sight of goal.

With Ireland winning, Belgium would have been eliminated by losing to Sweden. The excellent Isaksson is at it again, denying Benteke from Hazard’s cut back.

On the other hand, Belgium also need to win the game as they head into the game with three points from two games and will want to cement the second spot in the group.

The iconic striker announced earlier this week that he would be playing his final match for his country as they bowed out of the competition.

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Belgium record back-to-back wins and keep back-to-back clean sheets for the first time in EURO history.

Belgium knocks out Sweden in Ibrahimovic's last game