Zlatan Ibrahimovic has officially been named in the Sweden squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Ibrahimovic retired from international football in 2016 but is set for one final tournament for his country, with the Euros coming up this summer and his Sweden return imminent.
The news comes as little surprise with the AC Milan striker recording numbers similar to a forward in his prime despite nearing his 40s. It is a major boost for Sweden, who are set to face Georgia, Kosova and Estonia in March.
Ibrahimovic Makes Sweden Return
The return of the God @svenskfotboll pic.twitter.com/hQThIdWRY0
— Zlatan Ibrahimović (@Ibra_official) March 16, 2021
Sweden Return Makes Sense for Ibrahimovic
With 16 goals in 21 games this season, a return to the Sweden national team makes sense for Ibrahimovic. He has proved this season that he can still perform on the grandest of stages, and the stage rarely gets greater than an international tournament.
When in the MLS with LA Galaxy, many rightfully assumed the end was near for Ibrahimovic’s career. And, it was when it came to international football. Perhaps from his perspective, joining the MSL meant he could no longer perform at the top.
But then he joined a struggling Milan side, took them to a title charge and proved himself once more at the top. Without him, Sweden lack that star power. Ibrahimovic’s return makes perfect sense for both parties.
Difficult Euros Group
Sweden are set for a difficult start to the Euros this summer with a difficult group to negotiate. And that’s why Ibrahimovic’s selection is all the more important.
They have been drawn into a group with Spain, Poland and Slovakia. Spain will prove to be the toughest game- that’s unquestionable. But games against Poland and Slovakia should be winnable.
The game against Poland, in particular, will be an interesting one as Ibrahimovic squares off against Robert Lewandowski.
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