Zlatan returns for Sweden

Spain’s newcomers couldn’t add the spark “La Roja” needed in their World Cup qualifying opener.

Youngsters Bryan Gil and Pedri Gonza´lez came off the bench to make their national team debuts yesterday but couldn’t keep Spain from being held to a 1-all home draw against Greece.

In the other Group B match, Sweden defeated Georgia 1-0 as Zlatan Ibrahimovic set up the winning goal on his return to international soccer after almost five years.

The 39-year-old AC Milan striker came out of international retirement ahead of this summer’s European Championship, having last played for Sweden at Euro 2016. He set up the goal after receiving a pass on his chest and scooping the ball into the middle of the area for Viktor Claesson’s close-range shot in the 35th minute.

In Granada, Alvaro ´ Morata put Spain ahead in the first half but the visitors equalised with a penalty converted by Anastasios Bakasetas early in the second period in one of the team’s few scoring chances.

Spain coach Luis Enrique brought Pedri and Gil on to improve the team’s attack but they couldn’t do much to change the game’s outcome.

“Bryan played well, he created some chances,” Luis Enrique said.

Spain entered the match heavily favoured after routing Germany 6-0 in the Nations League in their previous match. They hadn’t conceded at home since a 2-1 win over Norway more than two years ago in European qualifying.

Morata found the net in the 33rd after a nice lob pass by Koke Resurreccio´ n.

Spain looked in control but defender In˜igo Mart´ınez’s foul inside the area led to Bakasetas’ equaliser from the penalty spot in the 57th.

Spain visit Georgia on Monday and host Kosovo on Thursday. Greece’s next qualifier is against Georgia at home on Thursday.