Crespo salutes in-form Ibrahimović

FC Internazionale Milano had birthday boy Zlatan Ibrahimović to thank for turning on the style with a two-goal salvo that earned the Italian champions their first Group G points at the expense of PSV Eindhoven.

Critics silenced
Much had been made of the fact the Sweden forward had yet to open his UEFA Champions League account with the Nerazzurri but the in-form striker, who is joint leading Serie A goalscorer with seven goals, silenced the critics with a first-half penalty and header that clinched a vital 2-0 win. They were his first goals in the competition since December 2005, having failed to find the target in his previous 12 UEFA Champions League matches. Inter captain Javier Zanetti had said Ibrahimović just needed to relaxed for the goals to come, and the striker celebrated his 26th birthday a day early in the best possible way, taking just 15 minutes to break the deadlock in Milan.

'Delighted'
"We knew that it was only a matter of time before he scored in Europe for us," said Zanetti. "Tonight his goals won the match for us and I'm delighted for him." Ibrahimović was the player offended against for the early spot-kick award and the former AFC Ajax and Juventus striker converted confidently before doubling his side's lead with just over half an hour gone through an angled, looping header. Indeed, strike partner Hernán Crespo revealed the second goal was in fact slightly fortuitous.

'Golden period'
"I don't want to appear indiscreet but he told me that he was trying to head the ball back to me but instead it went in," explained Crespo. "But he's enjoying a golden period. At the moment he can do no wrong – whatever he does, he does well. He's even scoring by accident, so all the better for him, and us. It was an excellent goal, he's in form and we're delighted with him.

'Good position'
"Last year we were able to recover from two defeats because Bayern were racing ahead in the group," continued the Argentinian. "But this year it's a lot tighter so it was important to get a win to steady the ship and now we're in a good position in the Champions League group." Inter have moved into second place in Group G, a point behind Fenerbahçe SK, who shared a 2-2 draw with Inter's next opponents PFC CSKA Moskva.

'Best side'
Ibrahimović, who now has nine goals in all competitions this season, might have even scored again but for the second-half dismissal of Cristian Chivu, which resulted in his being deployed in a deeper role, but versatility is the secret to this Inter vintage, according to Crespo. "Inter are the best because we have the best squad," he added. "We can rest players or replace those that are injured or suspended with good players. The side is in rude health - we're top of the league and well-placed in the Champions League."