Fisnik Asllani netted the decisive goal on Monday, securing the win for the visitors. ..Continue Reading
Sweden have now suffered three defeats in four qualifiers under head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson and currently sit at the bottom of their group with just one point.
Their hopes of reaching the World Cup now rely on winning both remaining fixtures and Kosovo failing to collect any more points.
Tomasson, formerly of AC Milan and Feyenoord, who was dismissed by Blackburn Rovers last February before taking over the national team, has come under heavy fire from the Swedish media.
However, Isak and Gyokeres—among the priciest forwards in football—have also drawn scrutiny for not scoring in any of Sweden’s four qualifying matches.
Fotbollskanalen labelled Gyokeres as ‘a shadow of the striker’ who previously claimed the Nations League golden boot.
They added that Isak ‘was sharper but he is not in the same shape as last season’.
Expressen offered some sympathy, stating: “The players look completely broken. The experience must be traumatising for them too.
“Of course, there is also justified criticism of their efforts, but at the same time it is incomprehensible how one can imagine that we are seeing a collective collapse of attitudes.”
In a surprising aside, the article referenced Alan Pardew, saying the writer hadn’t felt so strongly about a managerial change ‘since Alan Pardew managed Newcastle’.
Fotbollskanalen were even harsher after the 2-0 loss to Switzerland three days earlier, awarding Gyokeres a score of 1 out of 5.
“Sweden needed Viktor at his best for this crucial World Cup qualifying match,” they stated. “But he didn’t have it in decisive moments.”
Expressen noted that Isak, who captained the team in that match, was ‘quick in body and mind but tired too early’.
Svenska Fans also rated him 1 out of 5, writing: “Ran on many balls. Had a shot in the post that was worth a better fate … However, did not succeed very often with his actions.”
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