March 25, (THEWILL) – In a much-anticipated return to international football, Zlatan Ibrahimovic failed to make an impact as Belgium secured a convincing 3-0 win over Sweden in their opening Group F European Championship qualifier on Friday.
Instead, the limelight of the night will be on Romelu Lukaku, who scored an impressive hat-trick to take his international tally to 70 goals. Showing flashes of brilliance that has eluded him in club performances this season, Lukaku broke the deadlock in the 35th minute with a well-timed header from a cross from Dodi Lukebakio, who had been causing problems for the Swedish defence throughout the match.
Lukaku then doubled his side’s advantage early in the second half, taking advantage of poor marking to turn in another low cross from Lukebakio. The returning Ibrahimovic was subbed on in the 73rd minute and still, the Swedish side failed to create any meaningful chances.
There was enough time for Lukaku to wrap up his sterling display as he sealed his hat-trick in the 83rd minute to ensure a comfortable win for new Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
