News Focus
- Sweden crush Tunisia 5-1 in their FIFA World Cup Group F opener at Estadio BBVA
- Star forwards Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres both score and assist each other
- Yasin Ayari nets twice, including a spectacular long-range strike early in the match
- Victory sends Sweden to the top of the group table after Japan draw with Netherlands
- Manager Graham Potter praises his team’s calm and professional display
Sweden have stormed to the top of Group F after a commanding 5-1 victory over Tunisia at the Estadio BBVA. A crowd of 50,987 fans watched Graham Potter’s side produce a dominant performance in their opening FIFA World Cup match.
Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari fired the Scandinavians ahead in the seventh minute with a stunning shot from distance. The young player refused to celebrate out of respect for Tunisia, his father’s country of birth. Alexander Isak then doubled the lead in the 40th minute, collecting a pass from Gyokeres near the halfway line before cutting inside and drilling a low shot into the bottom corner.
Tunisia pulled one back just before half-time. Omar Rekik glanced a header past the Swedish goalkeeper following a cross from Hannibal Mejbri. However, Sweden restored their two-goal cushion in the 59th minute when Gyokeres finished coolly after an assist from Isak.
The second half belonged to the Swedish substitutes. Mattias Svanberg scored just 18 seconds after coming onto the pitch in the 84th minute. Officials initially disallowed the goal for offside, but a lengthy Video Assistant Referee check showed that Isak had touched the ball slightly, keeping Svanberg onside.
Ayari completed the rout in the sixth minute of added time with another brilliant strike. This time he celebrated freely as Sweden secured a convincing win.
The result puts Sweden at the summit of Group F. They benefited from Japan’s 2-2 draw with the Netherlands earlier in the day.
Isak and Gyokeres made history as only the second Swedish attacking partnership to assist one another at a World Cup tournament. Their combination play caused constant problems for the Tunisian defence throughout the contest.
Manager Graham Potter expressed satisfaction with his team’s display. He told reporters that his players remained calm and could have scored even more goals. He promised to enjoy the victory before preparing for difficult upcoming matches against Japan and the Netherlands.
Both Isak and Gyokeres looked dangerous every time they had the ball. If they maintain this form, Sweden could progress far in the competition.