Sweden’s Marcus Berg (top) in a tussle with Riza Durmisi, of Denmark.

Emil Forsberg scored one goal and won a penalty that Zlatan Ibrahimovic converted before Denmark snatched a late goal to leave the Euro 2016 play-off delicately balanced as Sweden won the first leg 2-1 yesterday.

The game exploded into life on the stroke of half-time when winger Forsberg swept Mikael Lustig’s pass beyond Denmark keeper Kasper Schmeichel.

The crowd had barely taken their seats at the start of the second period when Forsberg was upended by Thomas Kahlenberg after a surging run into the box and Sweden captain Ibrahimovic thundered home the resulting spot kick.

Denmark, who failed to score in their final three group games, created few chances until substitute Nicolai Joergensen stole in at the far post to poke home in the 80th minute and throw his side a lifeline.

The second leg is in Copenhagen on Tuesday.

Ukraine, who have never won a play-off for a major tournament finals in five previous attempts, took a firm grip on their qualifying tie with Slovenia by winning the first leg 2-0 yesterday.

Winger Andriy Yarmolenko opened the scoring with a low shot into the far corner of the net in the 22nd minute that sparked wild celebrations at a packed Lviv Arena.

Yarmolenko also played a part in the second goal in the 54th minute, striker Yevhen Seleznyov converting his cross to supply the finishing touch to a swift counter-attack.

Seleznyov could have added a third goal 15 minutes later when he scuffed his shot when well-placed but Ukraine will still be in a strong position in Tuesday’s second leg to book their ticket to the finals in France.

Slovenia provided little threat up front although Branko Ilic fired just over the bar from the edge of the penalty area in the first half following a clever header from Milivoje Novakovic.

The visitors, bidding to repeat their Euro 2000 play-off victory over Ukraine, never looked like getting back into the game after the break.

Keeper Samir Handanovic, captaining Slovenia, produced a stunning save from a header by Denys Gamrash before Seleznyov struck the woodwork in the 69th minute.

Ukraine coach Mykhaylo Fomenko warned his players not to get carried away.

“We have only played the first leg.” he said. “I think my players understand what they have to do and I should not need to find any additional words for the second leg.”

Results

Played yesterday
Ukraine vs Slovenia - 2-0
Sweden vs Denmark - 2-1

Second leg – Tuesday, Nov. 17

Played on Friday
Bosnia vs Ireland - 1-1

Second leg – tomorrow

Played on Thursday
Norway vs Hungary - 0-1

Second leg – today