Euro 2016: End of the road for Sweden, Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Sweden’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic (left) vies for the ball with Thomas Vermaelen of Belgium on Wednesday. (Photo: AP)

A late goal by Premier League target Radja Nainggolan earned Belgium a last-16 berth with a 1-0 win over Sweden making superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic end his international career with a defeat.

The Roma midfielder, reportedly wanted by Chelsea, controlled a cross from Eden Hazard outside the area and powered it into the net in the 82nd minute. Belgium now take on Hungary in Toulouse on June 26.

Sweden finished third in the group and will look back with regret on a flat performance in their opener against Ireland.

Facing elimination if defeated, both teams pushed forward to attack which produced a pulsating first half hour in balmy Nice.

Chances came thick and fast. Sweden almost had a dream start three minutes in when a goalmouth half-volley by Marcus Berg, in for John Giudetti as strike partner to Ibrahimovic, was batted out by Thibaut Courtois.

Belgium launched regular raids with Kevin De Bruyne through the middle and Hazard, roving from wing to wing, at the heart of the danger.