Sweden leave it late for victory
Thursday, September 3, 2009
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Montenegro 0-2 Sweden
Two late goals ensured the 2009 UEFA European U21 Championship hosts began their 2011 qualifying campaign with a victory in Group 6.
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Two goals in the closing six minutes ensured that 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship hosts and semi-finalists Sweden began their campaign for the 2011 tournament with victory in Montenegro.
Long wait
Sweden's hopes of home success were dashed by England little more than two months ago, but they were quickly back to winning ways in Podgorica as they turned their attentions to reaching Denmark in two years' time. Despite their dominance on Friday evening, the visitors had to wait until the 84th minute to take the lead their performance merited thanks to Albin Ekdal's effort from the edge of the penalty area. Substitute Agon Mehmeti latched on to Denni Avdić's pass five minutes later to ensure all three points for Sweden.
Missed chances
Such superiority could have been gained far earlier had it not been for first-half profligacy from the likes of Erton Fejzullahu and Emir Bajrami, the latter of whom hit a post. The hosts offered the odd glimmer of a threat but chances for Slobodan Lakicevic and Admir Adrović went unconverted and Sweden duly capitalised in the closing stages. They now sit third in Group 6 behind Kazakhstan and Israel who have played four and two fixtures respectively, while Montenegro are bottom on goal difference after two matches.