In the modern game, the traditional centre forward is a dying breed- their impending extinction comes ever closer as teams strive to play 'the Barcelona brand' of football. Last night, however, Zlatan Ibrahimovic put forward his arguement that the world of football is not rid of the striker yet with four goals that will go down in International history.
The Great Zlatan has distinguished himself as a great goalscorer and a scorer of great goals. Although, yesteday he took it to a whole new level with four emphatic finishes.
Ibrahimovic struck the first goal of the match with an instinctive poacher's finish. At half time, however, his side found themselves behind due to two England strikes.
The second half, along with the match ball, was Zlatan's. His second was a text book half volley and the third goal was a 30-yard free-kick. At this point, the headlines were already being written- 'England lose, as Ibrahimovic scores impressive hatrick'. But then he scored his fourth.
His fourth was simply majestic, a true reminder of why football is known as 'the beautiful game'. It need imagination, technique and audicity, in equal measure. The world watched in awe as Ibrahimovic latched on to Joe Hart's poor clearance, he the met the ball with an overhead kick which sent the ball elegantly arching into the English net. The world's audience looked on in disbelief.
Zlatan's fourth is already regarded as one of the best goals the world has ever seen. It will no doubt be spoken about for years to come.
It is only right for us to show it again here...
