Sweden Ease Past Scotland In Stockholm [Match Report]

Scotland's preparation for the Euro 2012 qualifications took a blow this evening as they succumed to a 3-0 defeat at the Rasunda Stadium in Stockholm.

Allan McGregor looks on after a tough night in Stockholm

Their opponents Sweden were two goals ahead at half time thanks to strikes from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Emir Bajrami. Sweden then disposed of the away side with a third goal, courtesy of some slack Scotland defending and a composed header from Ola Toivonen.

The game began with a few minutes of pretty passing before Sweden stepped up a gear with some great build up play down the right wing and a sweet cut back from midfielder Pontus Wernbloom found the unmarked Ibrahimovic who slotted home from six yards.

Scoland could have been another goal down minutes later as Toivonen shot from outside the box and despite Allan McGregor spilling the ball, he made a fantastic reaction save from Johan Elmander's rebound.

Scotland's first real opportunity came on the 28^th minute when a James McFadden cross wasn't dealt with by Sweden keeper' Andreas Isaksson but Charlie Adam couldn't quite stretch far enough to prod the ball goalwards.

However, it wasn't long before Sweden doubled their advantage, as Bajrami sealed his first international goal. Anders Svensson threaded a delightful ball through the Scotland defence to Bajrami and although his left footed effort was saved by McGregor, his right footed rebound zipped into the top corner of the net.

The second half started the same way as the first ended, with Sweden still looking very comfortable. Olof Mellberg clipped the bar with a long range effort on the 50^th minute before Sweden finished off their opponents five minutes later. Substitute Kim Kallstrom played a cross into the centre of the box and the unmarked Toivonen cooly headed past the helpless McGregor.

Despite the match over as a contest Scotland did manage to create one good opportunity on the 66^th minute as Darren Fletcher dinked a neat ball over the top of the Swedish defence which substitute Kris Boyd met with a left foot volley, only to see Sweden goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson make a great save with his left leg.

Garry Kenneth had found himself earning his first Scotland cap this evening because of numerous Scotland injuries and the Dundee United stopper had Sweden worried on the 70^th minute as he headed a strong effort from a Barry Robson corner, but Isaksson was there to make the save.

The match began to peter out, although Sweden could have scored a couple more goals if it wasn't for McGregor inbetween the Scotland posts. Toivonen and substitute Marcus Berg both found themselves clean through on goal in the final ten mintues, but each time McGregor spread himself big and saved Scotland from further blushes.

It was a comfortable victory for the Swedes as they looked a class above the injury-hit Scotland squad, who looked vulnerable every time the home side pressed forward. Craig Levein has his work cut out for him as he prepares for Scotland's first Euro 2012 qualifier against Lithuania on Friday 3^rd September.