'Like my first international match': Zlatan Ibrahimovic sets up winner on Sweden return

AC Milan star helps secure victory over Georgia in World Cup 2022 qualifier

Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates after teammate Viktor Claesson scores their first goal against Georgia during the World Cup qualifier on Thursday, March 26. Reuters

Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimovic with Georgia's Lasha Dvali at Friends Arena in Stockholm. Reuters

Sweden's Dejan Kulusevski, right, and Guram Giorbelidze of Georgia battle for the ball at the Friends Arena in Stockholm. AP

Sweden's Alexander is denied by Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Loria. EPA

Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimovic battles for a header with Lasha Dvali of Gerogia during the World Cup 2022 qualifier. EPA

Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimovic is closed down by Guram Kashia and Grigol Chabradze of Georgia. AFP

Zlatan Ibrahimovic set up the decisive goal in his first international appearance in nearly five years during Thursday's 1-0 home win over Georgia in their World Cup 2022 qualifier.

Ibrahimovic, 39, played his last Sweden game at Euro 2016 before wearing his country's yellow shirt again for the 117th time in their Group B opener.

He fed Viktor Claesson in the first half to start the campaign with a victory in a group which also includes Spain, Greece and Kosovo, where they head this weekend.

"It felt good. It felt like it was my first international match. It was a lot of adrenaline," Ibrahimovic told Sverige Radio.

"I think I could have done a lot more. But we won the match, and that is the most important thing," he added.

Sweden's record goalscorer made up a new-look strike partnership with 21-year-old Alexander Isak.

Former France defender Willy Sagnol took charge of the visitors for the first time and only four players kept their place from November's draw with Estonia.

The home side dominated the opening half an hour in Stockholm and came close to breaking the deadlock after 25 minutes.

Winger Claesson found Isak in the box but the Real Sociedad attacker's weak effort was parried away with ease by Giorgi Loria.

Ibrahimovic's first half moment of magic came 10 minutes later.

He manoeuvred the ball in the box before playing a delicate touch to Claesson who volleyed home to make it 1-0 with his second international goal in as many games.

AC Milan star Ibrahimovic had a chance to add to his 62 goals for the national team six minutes from the interval but his limp shot dribbled past the post.