Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak, attackers for Arsenal and Liverpool, were heavily condemned after Sweden’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying loss to Switzerland. Sweden’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup are in shambles following their loss in Stockholm on Friday night, dropping them to the bottom of Group B with only one point from three games.
The goals for the Swiss came from Granit Xhaka and Johan Manzambi, while Gyokeres and Isak again had another forgettable evening, as neither of them managed to get a single shot on goal during the ninety minutes.
Isak famously struck the post from a few yards out in the first half, while Lucas Bergvall, a Tottenham midfielder, was jeered by the crowd after missing from close range after being set up by the Liverpool No. 9.
The performance of their national squad was unpleasantly received by the Swedish media, who were particularly critical of Gyokeres, whom Arsenal paid £63 million to acquire in the summer.
Isak & Gyokeres fails to produce single shot on target
During the World Cup qualifier, Sweden’s top strikers both played the entire ninety minutes but were unable to put Swiss custodian Viktor Johansson to the test. Isak missed the crossbar with his first attempt and then created a clear opportunity for Lucas Bergvall, but it was also missed.
With just one point from three games, the performance puts Sweden at the bottom of Group B and further casts doubt on their chances of making it to the World Cup the following summer. On an individual basis, Gyokeres’ performance was encouraging, but Sweden is now really at risk of losing out on the World Cup.
Sweden has one point and is at the bottom of their qualifying group with three games played and three more to go. Switzerland leads with nine, and Gyokeres’ team would be unable to catch them if they won their next three games. But with an away match against Switzerland still to come, a loss may virtually guarantee elimination. All of a sudden, Monday’s game feels crucial.
