Sweden vs. Russia, Euro 2016 qualifying: Final score 1-1, Swedes in a minor hole

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was on the Sweden squad for this match, but was not not deemed fit enough to play. Ultimately, his side were average going forward and could have seriously used him.

Russia took the lead early on a counter through the center, finished off by Aleksandr Kokorin. Alexander Samedov found him with a pass to feet 25 yards out, Kokorin surged forward, and placed a perfect low shot past Andreas Isaksson. The Swedish keeper reacted late, and should have been able to get his hand on what was a fairly low-power shot.

Right off the kickoff, Sweden were gifted an avenue back into the game when Igor Smolnikov took out Jimmy Durmaz -- Ibrahimovic’s non-like-for-like, but still ultimate replacement -- in the penalty area. The referee gave the spot kick, but Sebastian Larsson was denied by Igor Akinfeev, who came up with a spectacular save.

Sweden would have to wait until after halftime to find their equalizer, but it was an impressive one. Durmaz set it up by beating two men down the left flank before playing an inch-perfect cross into the center of the box for Ola Toivonen to finish off from close range.

The rest of the match was even, featuring multiple shots for both sides, but ultimately no more goals. Russia will see this as a point gained, while Sweden ultimately have to think of it as two dropped.

Sweden: Isaksson, Olsson, Granqvist, Antonsson, Bengtsson, Kallstrom (Wernbloom 86’), Durmaz, Larsson, Zengin, Toivonen (Elmander 57’), Bahoui (Kacaniklic 79’)

Goals: Toivonen (49’)

Russia: Akinfeev, Kombarov (Granat 88’), Ignashevich, V. Berezutski, Smolnikov, Faizulin (Dzagoev 87’), Glushakov, Kokorin, Shatov, Samedov (Grigorjev 73’), Dzyuba

Goals: Kokrin (10’)