Blank account for Henrik men

Sep 7 2008

World Cup Group One

HENRIK LARSSON'S first match as Sweden's new captain ended in frustration after his side were held to a 0-0 draw in Albania.

The Swedes dominated possession but struggled to pierce the tightlypacked home defence.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic came closest to breaking the deadlock in 17 minutes but the Inter Milan striker saw his shot cannon off the post.

Former Celtic star Larsson, 37, said: "It was very hard to win against a team with nine players in defence."

Portugal stormed to the top of the group after a 4-0 win in Malta.

But the Euro 2008 quarter-finalists, who were without crocked star Cristiano Ronaldo, struggled to break down Malta in the opening period.

They did manage to go in at half time 1-0 up but had Malta's Brian Said to thank for their advantage after the defender scored an own goal.

But Carlo Queiroz's men upped the tempo after the interval with Bayern Munich's Hugo Almeida, Atletico Madrid's Simao Sabrosa and Man United's Nani all finding the target.

In the other group match Hungary and Denmark drew 0-0 in Budapest.

Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner nearly won it for Denmark in the 30th minute when he let fly from 25 yards but his shot rattled the post.