Spectacular Zlatan goal voted 'best of Euro 2012'

A stunning goal scored by Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Sweden's Euro 2012 match against France has been voted the best goal of the football tournament.

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The honour for the Swedish striker comes based on fan votes submitted on the official UEFA website.

The goal, which came in the 54th minute of Sweden’s first round 2-0 victory against France, was chosen as the most outstanding by some 39.9 percent of the voters.

“For sheer technique alone, this requires such lofty recognition,” UEFA wrote on its website.

“A truly talismanic effort from the Sweden captain.”

Despite Sweden having already being eliminated from the tournament after losses to Ukraine and England, Zlatan’s goal was the catalyst in the victory against France.

The goal, a thunderous strike in midair from the top of box following a cross from Sebastian Larsson, saw Sweden take a second-half lead against the French.

Zlatan no doubt made use of his black belt Taekwondo skills as he slammed the football into the left hand bottom corner of the net past the outstretched arms of Hugo Lloris.

Other goals gaining recognition in the poll included Jordi Alba’s goal for Spain in the final against Italy, which came in at second place, with 17 percent of the votes, while a strike by Italy's Mario Balotelli against Germany in their semi-final clash came in third with almost 11 percent.

Meanwhile, Zlatan was the only player from the Swedish side to make the UEFA Euro 2012 “Team of the Tournament”.

In a 23-man squad handpicked by UEFA staff and dominated by the presence of ten Spaniards, Zlatan is the sole Swede, representing his nation up front.



Oliver Gee
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