Sweden cruise to 5-1 victory over Tunisia in their opening game at the World Cup thanks to Yasin Ayari, Viktor Gyokeres, Alexander Isak and Mattias Svanberg, Isak contributing two assists; Sweden lead Group F after Japan’s draw with the Netherlands
Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres were on fire as Sweden eased to a comfortable 5-1 win over Tunisia to start their World Cup campaign in Group F.
Brighton player Yasin Ayari grabbed the spotlight with his two impressive long-range shots in each half (6th and 96th) but Isak and Gyokeres proved that they could do whatever they wished against the Tunisian side.
Almost immediately after Ayari opened the scoring, Isak added a second goal in the 40th minute when the latter dribbled towards the halfway line and Gyokeres slipped in the ball to him. He then cut in on his right-foot before slotting it in the bottom-right corner.
Omar Rekin scored a consolation goal for Tunisia just before the half-time interval with a header (43) to keep hope of a comeback alive, but Gyokeres scored a third to restore Sweden’s two-goal cushion almost immediately after that (59). Isak played provider on this occasion.
Substitute Mattias Svanberg scored a fourth for Sweden just 18 seconds after coming off the bench, sweeping it into the net with plenty of time remaining (84). The offside flag was raised initially but video assistant referee (VAR) overturned it because there was contact with Isak meaning the midfielder was onside.
Another spectacular effort from Ayari sealed a dominant win for Potter’s men (96).
Isak and Gyokeres become only the second Swedish strike pair to contribute to one another at a World Cup
Gyokeres and Isak became the second Swedish attacking duo to contribute assists to one another in a World Cup after their show against Tunisia.
It is often tough for international managers to manage talent which plays in the same position in a national team squad but Potter has nothing to worry about when he is selecting his strikers.
Both Gyokeres and Isak look very promising in the final third and will prove to be a handful for any defence that comes up against them. They are two of the best forwards in world football, so Sweden fans shouldn’t be surprised if the side go far in this tournament.
Isak performed impressively, showing great confidence on the ball, which comes as a relief since it’s been a difficult season for him in terms of injuries. Similarly, Gyokeres posed a constant threat in the opposition’s box and showed no signs of slowing down.
Potter insists his side have some room for improvement
Quotes by Sweden coach Graham Potter (ITV):
“Five goals and solid from us, we could have scored more. The boys were outstanding and managed to maintain a goal threat, they kept calm. We won the game.
“There’s still some work to do, however, we’ll enjoy our victory tonight and prepare for the next.”