England vs. Sweden: Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Goal Ranks Among All-Time Best

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored one of the most impressive goals in international football history during the country’s 4-2 friendly victory over England.

Sweden was holding onto a 3-2 lead when the match took to stoppage time. That’s when it happened. Ibrahimovic connected on a stunning bicycle kick from 30-plus yards out. It was the type of goal that will be talked about for ages.

Take a look, if you don’t believe me:

              

The goal was also just one of four that the Swedish striker punched in on the match and was an epic exclamation point to one of the best individual performances in recent memory.

But how does his incredible goal rank in accordance with some of the best all-time in the international realm?

Veteran English captain Steven Gerrard, who got his 100^th international cap during the contest, said, “It was the best goal I have ever seen,” according to Tom McKeown of Goal.com.

Context and situation certainly factor into the “greatness” of a goal. However, there are certain individual efforts that transcend the meaningful situational scores that lift teams to great heights. And sometimes the two meet and the end result is nothing short of amazing.

Take a look at a ranking of the top five best international goals and see where Ibrahimovic’s friendly score against England falls.

 

No. 1: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Sweden vs. England, 2012

What else needs to be said? Ibrahimovic ended a terrific four-goal performance with a stunning bicycle kick from 30-plus yards out. There’s never been a more exciting and thrilling shot than this.

 

No. 2: Paul Gascoigne, England vs. Scotland, 1996

Gascoigne lofted a volley over the defender’s head and punched it in before the ball ever hit the pitch.

 

No. 3: Diego Maradona, Argentina vs. England, 1986

Maradona’s “Goal of the Century” was certainly an impressive display of talent and finishing ability by the Argentinian striker.

 

No. 4: David Beckham, England vs. Greece, 2001

England needed one of its finest footballers to step up in order to qualify for the 2002 World Cup. Beckham obliged with an incredible goal.

 

No. 5: Dennis Bergkamp, Netherlands vs. Argentina, 1998

The announcer’s excitement does it for me. Besides being an incredible display of talent, this score gave the Netherlands a stunning 90th-minute World Cup quarterfinal win over Argentina. This goal truly deserves to be in anyone’s top five.