Ibrahimovic sets up Sweden victory

Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic ended his international goal drought in style as Greece's defence of their European Championship title started with a 2-0 defeat in Salzburg.

Ibrahimovic had not scored for his country since October 2005 but smashed into the top corner in the 67th minute at Stadion Wals-Siezenheim.

Receiving a throw from the right flank he fed Henrik Larsson, who returned the ball to the edge of the area to allow Ibrahimovic to unleash his effort without breaking stride. When Petter Hansson bundled in a second five minutes later, the resistance of the Greeks was crushed.

No team has successfully defended this competition and Greece have been given little chance to make history.

When they won in 2004 they kept it tight, stifled opponents and edged their three knockout games 1-0 - and that has been their tactic since.

Greece striker Angelos Charisteas had the first effort on goal, weaving around three Sweden defenders as he cut in from the right flank - but his shot was straight at Manchester City goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson.

Ibrahimovic was passed fit following knee troubles with Inter Milan at the end of the season, and he almost ended his dismal run in the 33rd minute. He was found by Freddie Ljungberg with his back to goal and he headed on to the roof of the net as Sotiris Kyrgiakos clattered him.

Sweden should have had the lead three minutes after the restart when Christian Wilhelmsson latched onto a ball over the top of Greece's defence. He lobbed Antonis Nikopolidis but also cleared the crossbar.

With the game in a pattern the Greeks were content with, then came Ibrahimovic's moment of inspiration, his own masterpiece in the city of Mozart's birth.

Hansson's goal was less pleasing on the eye. Ljungberg raced through but had his finish saved, with substitute Johan Elmander poking the ball to the back post where Hansson applied the ugly finish.