Zlatan Ibrahimovic double helps Sweden past Faroe Islands in World Cup qualifier

Sweden have drawn level on points with Austria and the Republic of Ireland in World Cup qualifying Group C thanks to this evening's 1-0 victory over the Faroe Islands.

The hosts dominated for much of the evening and had Zlatan Ibrahimovic to thank for both goals.

Gunnar Nielsen kept out Ola Toivonen and Ibrahimovic with a double save midway through the first half. Nielsen was then beaten by Alexander Kacaniklic, but the Fulham man was offside when released on goal.

Sweden got the opener in the 35th minute, as countering from a rare Faroes attack Mikael Lustig crossed for Ibrahimovic who headed into the net.

The visitors had their first shot of the game soon after half time, but Christian Holst couldn't find the target.

With 10 minutes left Sweden's Andreas Granqvist was sent off for clashing with Frodi Benjaminsen but it didn't make a difference as, moments later, the home side doubled their advantage.

Ibrahimovic was brought down in the area and the PSG man took the spot kick himself to seal the win.

Sweden are now on 11 points, along with Austria and Ireland, and sit between the two on goal difference.