Half-Time Report: Emil Forsberg fires Sweden ahead in Euro 2016 playoff clash

Emil Forsberg strikes on the stroke of half time to put Sweden in front at the break in their Euro 2016 playoff clash against Denmark.

Emil Forsberg has put Sweden ahead at the break in the first leg of their Euro 2016 playoff clash against Denmark at the Friends Arena.

The Friends arena in Solna near Stockholm is lit with national colours of France ahead the Euro 2016 play-off football match between Sweden and Denmark on November 14, 2015.© Getty Images


The visitors were the first to threaten the net when Christian Eriksen was afforded space and time on the edge of the box, and the Tottenham Hotspur winger curled his effort just over the crossbar.

Kasper Schmeichel denied Sweden the lead as he made a fine save to deny Marcus Berg from point-blank range after the striker had latched on to Jimmy Durmaz's low cross into the penalty area.

The home side should have gone ahead when Berg was presented with an opportunity as Denmark failed to clear their lines from a cross into the box, but the forward could only guide his strike past the post.

Berg had a better chance seconds later as he was teed up by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but he lost his composure at the vital moment to fire wide from close range.

Denmark almost made the home side pay for their missed opportunities when Nicklas Bendtner latched on to a cross from Eriksen, but he steered his strike off target.

The hosts took the lead in stoppage time when Mikael Lustig raided down the flank and cut the ball back to Forsberg. The midfielder took a touch to get the ball out of his feet before launching his strike beyond the reach of Schmeichel.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Sweden heads a shot at goal during the UEFA EURO 2016 Qualifying match between Sweden and Moldova at the National Stadium Friends Arena on October 12, 2015
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