Post by gw on Mar 28, 2007 21:11:00 GMT -1
Northern Ireland replaced Sweden at the top of their Euro 2008 qualifying group after a David Healy double gave them another famous victory at Windsor Park.
The visitors took a 27th-minute lead when Johan Elmander held off Aaron Hughes before firing past Maik Taylor.
Healy levelled four minutes later with a superb strike from 18 yards and won it with a near-post finish from Damien Johnson's cross on 59 minutes.
Stephen Craigan nearly scored an own goal as his clearance hit a post.
The Belfast fans were in full voice as the game started at a frantic pace.
There was plenty of effort but creating chances was proving a problem in what was becoming a physical battle.
Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was first to go close on 23 minutes with a 25-yard free-kick which drifted just wide.
Michael Duff was presented with Northern Ireland's first opening two minutes later but headed well over from a Chris Brunt corner.
The visitors took the lead with the first good move after 27 minutes, which finished with Elmander using his strength to create space before netting from close range.
The equaliser came just four minutes later and it was a superb strike from the prolific Healy, who sent a dipping shot into the top corner from 18 yards.
Johnson picked up the first booking seven minutes from the break after a trip on Freddie Ljungberg.
Sweden looked more potent early in the second half and Grant McCann had to clear off the line from Ibrahimovich's 54th minute header.
But it was Northern Ireland who struck next and again it was Healy, meeting Johnson's cross at the nearpost and flicking the ball beyond a diving Iasaksson.
Lawrie's Sanchez's side were also having a bit of luck as Craigan sent an attempted clearance crashing against a post and out to safety on 69 minutes.
Sweden pressed for the equaliser and Ibrahimovich shot over before Ljungberg and Elmander wasted good opportunities.
Healy could have made it a second hat-trick in two games but his fierce shot went straight at Andreas Isaksson.
The Leeds United forward, who has scored nine goals in the qualifying campaign, received a standing ovation after being substituted in the dying seconds.
The visitors took a 27th-minute lead when Johan Elmander held off Aaron Hughes before firing past Maik Taylor.
Healy levelled four minutes later with a superb strike from 18 yards and won it with a near-post finish from Damien Johnson's cross on 59 minutes.
Stephen Craigan nearly scored an own goal as his clearance hit a post.
The Belfast fans were in full voice as the game started at a frantic pace.
There was plenty of effort but creating chances was proving a problem in what was becoming a physical battle.
Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was first to go close on 23 minutes with a 25-yard free-kick which drifted just wide.
Michael Duff was presented with Northern Ireland's first opening two minutes later but headed well over from a Chris Brunt corner.
The visitors took the lead with the first good move after 27 minutes, which finished with Elmander using his strength to create space before netting from close range.
The equaliser came just four minutes later and it was a superb strike from the prolific Healy, who sent a dipping shot into the top corner from 18 yards.
Johnson picked up the first booking seven minutes from the break after a trip on Freddie Ljungberg.
Sweden looked more potent early in the second half and Grant McCann had to clear off the line from Ibrahimovich's 54th minute header.
But it was Northern Ireland who struck next and again it was Healy, meeting Johnson's cross at the nearpost and flicking the ball beyond a diving Iasaksson.
Lawrie's Sanchez's side were also having a bit of luck as Craigan sent an attempted clearance crashing against a post and out to safety on 69 minutes.
Sweden pressed for the equaliser and Ibrahimovich shot over before Ljungberg and Elmander wasted good opportunities.
Healy could have made it a second hat-trick in two games but his fierce shot went straight at Andreas Isaksson.
The Leeds United forward, who has scored nine goals in the qualifying campaign, received a standing ovation after being substituted in the dying seconds.
One by one the penguins steal my sanity.
