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Gyokeres and Isak were unable to help Sweden earn any points against Kosovo. |
The yellow-and-green team has only earned 1 point after 2 matches, and suffered a shock 0-2 defeat to Kosovo right in Pristina. It's worth noting that their opponent has never won at home in the history of World Cup qualifiers (1 draw, 8 losses). Furthermore, Kosovo is ranked 95th in FIFA, 66 places lower than Sweden.
Sweden were considered the clear favorites, having won all three previous encounters against Kosovo, most recently a crushing 3-0 victory in 2021. With an attack boasting two of Europe's top strikers, Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres, fans expected a goalfest. However, the reality was a surprisingly lackluster and ineffective performance.
Sweden dominated possession and pressed hard, but Kosovo created the clearest chances. Throughout the match, coach Jon Dahl Tomasson made numerous substitutions, even leaving Isak on the bench until the 72nd minute. But even with the Liverpool newcomer on the field, things didn't improve. Sweden's attack lacked spirit, unable to penetrate Kosovo's defense, which had conceded goals in five consecutive matches.
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Sweden's star-studded squad suffered a defeat against Kosovo. |
Even with Kosovo down to 10 men in the final minutes, Sweden remained helpless. The defeat, coupled with the 2-2 draw against Slovenia, leaves Sweden five points behind Switzerland in the race for direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup. Kosovo unexpectedly surged ahead to become the chasing pack in Group B.
A paradox is emerging. Sweden has Isak and Gyokeres, but they've only scored two goals in two qualifying matches. If they don't find a solution soon, the scenario of missing out on the World Cup, as happened in 2022, could very well repeat itself for the Nordic team.
Source: https://znews.vn/nghich-ly-isak-gyokeres-post1583787.html
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