Montenegro penalty denies Sweden

• Sweden four points adrift of Austria in Group G after being held in Montenegro
• Zlatan Ibrahimović's early strike cancelled out by Stevan Jovetić penalty
• Ibrahimović also hits post but Montenegro just one point off second
• Next games: Montenegro v Russia, Moldova v Sweden (27 March)

Zlatan Ibrahimović's early goal was cancelled out by a Stevan Jovetić spot kick as Montenegro and Sweden drew an exciting UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying Group G encounter.

Montenegro started with passion, roared on by their home support, but after just nine minutes Ibrahimović – a doubt before kick-off – had an impact. The Paris Saint-Germain forward reacted brilliantly in the Montenegro box to intercept a Žarko Tomašević clearance and put Sweden ahead.

Ibrahimovićꞌs strike silenced the crowd and Sweden, looking to stay within two points of leaders Austria, were on top. However, Elsad Zverotić's corners were a threat to the Scandinavians and Andreas Isaksson saved from Stevan Jovetić and Marko Baša while Stefan Savić headed against the bar. Ibrahimović continued to make an impression at the other end, shooting wide twice.

Montenegro had most of the possession in the second half, though Sweden were defending stoutly. Still, on 64 minutes, a Jovetić shot from 25 metres took a deflection that almost surprised Isaksson. Sweden, for their part, were having fewer chances until Ibrahimović rattled the post with a powerful free-kick.

After Baša had missed from two metres, the Montenegrin breakthrough finally came when Erkan Zengin fouled Vladimir Jovović in the area and Jovetić converted the penalty. It was Sweden who had the last chance, though, with Albin Ekdal rifling wide after Jimmy Durmaz’s solo run. Montenegro are now level with Russia in third, a point behind Sweden, who are four off Austria.