Zlatan ready for Dutch challenge

Zlatan Ibrahimovic admits Sweden are the underdogs for their Euro 2004 quarter final against Holland and acknowledges the match has a special resonance as he plays his club football for Ajax.

The rangy striker is looking forward to the challenge of helping Sweden to overcome the threat posed by the Oranje.

He could find several of his Ajax team-mates, most notably Johnny Heitinga, in opposition when he takes to the field at the Estadio Algarve on Saturday evening.

Ibrahimovic is relishing the battle and is attempting to put the pressure on Holland by proclaiming Dick Advocaat's side to be favourites to reach the semi-finals.

"It's obviously special for me to play against the Netherlands as I live and play there," said Ibrahimovic.

"I'm really looking forward to the game.

"The Netherlands have got to be the favourites with the quality players they have. "We are the underdogs but anything can happen in football as we have seen recently."

Dutch defender Frank De Boer admits his team must be on their guard against the threat of Ibrahimovic, due to the forward's wide-ranging abilities.

De Boer commented: "Zlatan is a very strong player, very mobile with great dribbling and shooting technique."