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Bitter-Swede

Sweden 1 Holland 1: Swedes missed retired Zlatan Ibrahimovic but snatched a point in World Cup qualifier through Marcus Berg

Panathinaikos striker stepped into 6ft 4in ace's vacant boots to open scoring in Stockholm but Wesley Sneijder hit back

Marcus Berg stepped into Zlatan Ibrahimovic's vacant boots to score for Sweden

SWEDEN began life without Zlatan Ibrahimovic with a 1-1 draw against Holland in their World Cup 2018 qualifier.

Panathinaikos striker Marcus Berg stepped into the 6ft 4in Manchester United ace's vacant boots to open the scoring in Stockholm just two minutes before the break.

Marcus Berg stepped into Zlatan Ibrahimovic's vacant boots to score for Sweden
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Marcus Berg stepped into Zlatan Ibrahimovic's vacant boots to score for SwedenCredit: TT NEWS AGENCY
Wesley Sneijder equalised for Holland to secure a point in World Cup qualifier
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Wesley Sneijder equalised for Holland to secure a point in World Cup qualifierCredit: Getty Images

Berg capitalised on Kevin Strootman's defensive mishap to smash in from outside the box into the top left corner.

But Wesley Sneijder came up with the goods for Netherlands with a 67th-minute equaliser.

New Tottenham star Vincent Jannsen cut in from the right and unleashed a powerful shot which Sweden's keeper could only parry directly into Sneijder's path.

Holland pushed for a winner and Jannsen and Bas Dost both squandered late chances to leave Sweden with just a point.

Dost was then left with his head in his hands when his injury-time winner was ruled out for an incredibly soft foul.

Wesley Sneijder blazes a shot wide during World Cup 2018 qualifier against Sweden
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Wesley Sneijder blazes a shot wide during World Cup 2018 qualifier against SwedenCredit: AP:Associated Press
Vincent Jannsen squandered a chance late on in the game to win the match for Holland
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Vincent Jannsen squandered a chance late on in the game to win the matchCredit: Getty Images
Dutch boss Danny Blind will feel the most unlucky of the two managers
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Dutch boss Danny Blind will feel the most unlucky of the two managersCredit: Reuters

The Sporting Lisbon striker shimmied his body into Victor Lindelof and directed a looping header into the net but was deemed to have unfairly out-muscled the Holland defender in the process.

Netherland manager Danny Blind will be the most annoyed of the two bosses, having seen opportunities to wrap up the game wasted.

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