Intro
Ayari scores twice as Sweden dominate and move atop group
Monterrey
Sweden delivered a commanding performance to defeat Tunisia 5-1 and seize control of Group F at the FIFA World Cup, exposing the North African side’s usually resolute defence in a one-sided contest on Sunday.
The emphatic victory strengthened Sweden’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stages and underlined the attacking quality of a side looking to make a deep run in the tournament after missing out on qualification for the 2022 World Cup.
Managed by Graham Potter, Sweden made a dream start in Guadalupe and took the lead in just the seventh minute. Midfielder Yasin Ayari capitalised on a defensive mix-up before unleashing a powerful strike from outside the penalty area that left the goalkeeper helpless. Despite the quality of the finish, Ayari’s celebration was subdued, reflecting his Moroccan and Tunisian family heritage.
Sweden doubled their advantage in the 30th minute through Alexander Isak. The Liverpool forward surged down the left flank, cut inside and fired a shot that goalkeeper Mouhib Chamakh failed to keep out despite getting a hand to the ball.
Tunisia entered the tournament with a formidable defensive reputation after completing qualification without conceding a single goal, a feat later matched only by Ivory Coast and England. However, they struggled to cope with Sweden’s pace and movement throughout the match.
The North Africans briefly reignited hopes of a comeback just before halftime when defender Omar Rekik headed home a precise cross from Hannibal Mejbri to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
Any momentum gained by Tunisia quickly disappeared after the break. Sweden restored their two-goal cushion in the 59th minute when Ellyes Skhiri was dispossessed near his own penalty area. Isak seized the opportunity and set up Viktor Gyokeres, who calmly finished to make it 3-1.
Substitute Mattias Svanberg added a fourth goal after a VAR review confirmed he was onside. Ayari then completed the scoring in style with another stunning long-range strike, capping a memorable evening for the midfielder.
Earlier in Group F, Japan national football team scored late to secure a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands national football team. The results leave Sweden in a strong position as the race for the knockout stages gathers momentum.
