Holders Greece began their defence of the Henry Delaunay Trophy against Sweden with a highly insipid display. A flash of brilliance from Inter Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and an equally scrappy goal from Petter Hansson saw an unconvincing Swedish side run out 2-0 winners.

Greece lacked the assuredness of the side that won the 2004 edition and look in grave danger of not qualifying for the knockout phase. Angelos Charisteas was the most active player on the pitch in the initial stages -  picking up a yellow card for a reckless two footed challenge in the very first minute and then testing Isaksson with a low shot from the edge of the box. After the initial flurry, Greece never showed much of an attacking intent and were content to pass the ball in their own half. They fielded five defenders in order to contain Ibrahimovic and Henrik Larsson, a tactic that coach Otto Rehhagel defended after the match. Star striker Theofanis Gekas chased lost causes with Greece playing route one football and pumping the ball up directly at first go. So uninspiring was the display that the Salzburg crowd turned against Greece and staring booing when they had the ball in their possession.

Ironically, Sweden did not play any better. They kept it simple and played a compact passing game but failed to register a single shot on goal before the half time break. Ibrahimovic came closest when his header kissed the top of the bar before going over.

Greece replaced Gekas with Giorgios Samaras at half time. But the result remained the same. Samaras didn't receive any support from the midfield and ended up waging a lone battle. The deadlock was finally broken in the 67th minute as Ibrahimovic exchanged a quick one-two with the evergreen Larsson and shot viciously from just outside the area- the Swede's first goal for the national side since November 2005!

Ibra was then replaced by Toulouse hitman Johan Elmander. A couple of minutes later Sweden sealed the game. Ljungberg's shot was partially cleared by Nikopolidis and in the huge melee that followed in the Greek penalty area, the big centre back Petter Hansson bundled the ball in off his thigh! Game, set and match - Sweden!

Sweden starting XI:- Isaksson, Hansson, Alexandersson (Stoor 74), Mellberg, Nilsson, Wilhelmsson (Rosenberg 78), Svensson, Ljungberg, Andersson, Ibrahimovic (Elmander 71), Henrik Larsson.

Greece starting XI:- Nikopolidis, Seitaridis, Kyrgiakos, Antzas, Dellas (Amanatidis 70), Torosidis, Charisteas, Basinas, Katsouranis, Karagounis, Gekas (Samaras 45).