Top Stories

Nainggolan scores late to lead Belgium over Sweden

naingg

Belgium left it for late, but earned a win to continue their Euro adventure while ending the international career of one of the game’s biggest stars.

Radja Nainggolan fired a winner in the 85th minute, leading Belgium to a 1-0 victory that also knocked out Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Sweden in the process. The win gives Belgium six points, while Sweden departs Euro 2016 with just one point.

A draw would have been good enough for the Belgians, but Nainggolan’s winner removed all doubt. The Roma midfielder’s finish came from distance, as he rocketed a worthy winner to send Belgium through.

Sweden came close in the 83rd minute, as Ibrahimovic fired a header on goal. However, Kevin de Bruyen lied waiting, heading it clear from off the line to preserve the stalemate.

Ibrahimovic also had a free kick saved by Thibault Courtois in the 76th minute, while Romelu Lukak had a goal ruled offside just two minutes earlier.

With the win, Belgium meets Hungary on Sunday for their Round of 16 match.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Eden Hazard ran the show for Belgium throughout the day in a match that showed him at his best. After a difficult club season, Wednesday provided a glimpse at what Hazard looks like at his best.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Radja Naiggolan’s winner proved the difference between the two sides, as the Belgian star sale the result with a deserved late-game finish.

MATCH TO FORGET

In his last match before international retirement, Zlatan Ibrahimovic went out with a whimper. The forward went out in a very un-Zlatan-like way, ending a legendary Sweden career with a group stage exit.

Leave a Comment