Four-goal Ibrahimovic nets special strike to down England

STOCKHOLM - Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored four outstanding goals including a contender for goal of this or any other season as Sweden opened their new Friends Arena with a 4-2 win over England in a superb friendly on Wednesday.

England's Steven Caulker (L) challenges Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimovic during their international friendly soccer match at the Friends Arena in Stockhom, Nov 14, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

"Ibra" capped a great personal display with a breathtaking 25-meter injury-time overhead kick from a botched Joe Hart header as Sweden avenged their 3-2 defeat by England at Euro 2012.

In doing so he spoiled the celebrations of England captain Steven Gerrard, who became the sixth man to win 100 caps for his country.

Ibrahimovic was delighted to have done so well against a country whose media had not generally held him in as high esteem as elsewhere in the world.

"It's not often you score four goals against such good opposition," the striker told a news conference.

Gerrard was the first to praise the Swede, who moved into third place in his country's all-time scoring chart taking his tally to 39 goals from 85 internationals.

"His performance tonight was simply world class and that fourth goal was one of the best I've ever seen," Gerrard told ITV.

"I thought we were very comfortable till we started making all those changes.

"I'm going to give my shirt to my dad - he has supported me all through my career and he deserves to have it."

England coach Roy Hodgson was pleased with his inexperienced side's performance but was left stunned by Ibrahimovic.

"The fourth goal was the crowning glory (but) I'd have rather seen it against someone else," he said.

Sweden coach Erik Hamren also waxed lyrical about his captain's ability as his side got off to a winning start in their new home.

"We have a world star who scores four goals," he said. "The last one? You might never see that again in your life. Unbelievable, really."

Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimovic (L) scores against England during their international friendly soccer match at the Friends Arena in Stockholm, Nov 14, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]