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Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored two contrasting goals as Sweden earned an ultimately comfortable 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Moldova. The striker's 85th-minute penalty made the points safe but it was his first goal which captured the attention, as he charged down goalkeeper Ilie Cebanu's clearance and diverted the ball into the net. Victory keeps Sweden second in the group behind Austria, who won 5-0 in Liechtenstein. In a quiet opening half-hour, Sweden's Sunderland midfielder Sebastian Larsson fired wide while Gheorghe Andronic was off target from 30 yards at the other end. Isaac Kiese Thelin headed Larsson's free-kick over the bar before Moldova lost Artur Ionita to injury, his place taken by Andrei Cojocari. Ibrahimovic then came to the fore for Sweden but could only direct Larsson's cross and Kim Kallstrom's corner over the bar before firing a stoppage-time free-kick into the wall. But the Paris St Germain forward was gifted a bizarre opener early in the second half when Cebanu cleared the ball straight into his face and the ball rebounded into the net - though a reverse-angle replay suggested a slight nod from Ibrahimovic to steer it on its way. Moldova went in search of an immediate equaliser and Andronic forced a good save from Andreas Isaksson. Kiese Thelin shot over and Ibrahimovic curled wide before the former was replaced by Marcus Berg, who soon shot over. Ibrahimovic saw another free-kick saved before defender Victor Golovatenco blocked Larsson's well-struck effort. Emil Forsberg replaced Larsson and forced a save from Cebanu - but the newcomer's most meaningful contribution arrived two minutes later. He was brought down in the box by Vadim Bolohan, allowing Ibrahimovic to step up and send Cebanu the wrong way as he nestled the ball into the top corner to seal victory.
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SWE
