Sweden could hardly have asked for a better start to their World Cup campaign. Driven by the brilliance of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres, and inspired by two spectacular strikes from Yasin Ayari, Graham Potter’s side swept aside Tunisia 5-1 in Monterrey to move top of Group F and send an early warning to their rivals.
The result carried extra significance after Japan’s late equaliser denied the Netherlands victory earlier in the day. Sweden knew a win would put them in pole position, and they seized the opportunity with an attacking display full of confidence, quality and ruthlessness.
The tone was set inside seven minutes. Ayari, facing the country of his father’s birth, capitalised on a defensive error before unleashing a stunning strike into the top corner. The Brighton midfielder chose not to celebrate, a gesture of respect that reflected the emotion of the moment.
Sweden’s attacking stars soon took centre stage. Isak, making his long-awaited World Cup debut after an injury-hit season following his big-money move to Liverpool, looked sharp from the first whistle.
His goal was a reminder of why he is regarded as one of Europe’s most complete forwards. After collecting a clever pass from Gyökeres, Isak surged forward before cutting inside and drilling a low finish beyond goalkeeper Abdelmouhib Chamakh.
Tunisia briefly threatened a response when Omar Rekik headed home from Hannibal Mejbri’s delivery shortly before half-time. For a moment, belief returned among the Tunisian supporters, who had created a lively atmosphere throughout the evening.
Any hopes of a comeback disappeared after the restart.
The understanding between Isak and Gyökeres proved too much for Tunisia to handle. This time Isak turned creator, pouncing on a mistake before feeding his strike partner, who finished clinically to restore Sweden’s two-goal cushion.
For Graham Potter, perhaps the most encouraging aspect was not the scoreline but the chemistry between his two star forwards. International managers often struggle to fit elite attackers into the same system, yet Isak and Gyökeres complemented each other brilliantly.
The goals kept coming. Substitute Mattias Svanberg needed only seconds to make his mark. Initially ruled offside, his effort was eventually awarded after a VAR review, adding another chapter to a memorable night.
Then came the perfect ending.
Deep into stoppage time, Ayari unleashed another thunderbolt from distance. This time there was no restraint. The celebrations flowed freely as Sweden completed a performance that blended efficiency with flair.
“Five goals and solid, we could’ve scored more. All credit to the players; they were fantastic,” Potter said.
“The boys remained calm and maintained a goal threat. We take the victory.”
“There is room to improve but we will enjoy tonight and recover to get ready again.”
Sweden failed to reach the 2022 World Cup and arrived at this tournament through the play-offs. Yet with Isak and Gyökeres leading the line and confidence growing fast, Potter’s men suddenly look like a team capable of making serious noise on football’s biggest stage.
