It was a goal fest in Stadio Monterrey as Sweden produced a commanding performance to put five past Tunisia in their FIFA World Cup Group F clash on June 15, Monday, led by a sensational performance by midfielder Yasin Ayari.
FIFA World Cup, Sweden vs Tunisia: Highlights
Ayari opened the scoring for Sweden in the seventh minute with a breathtaking long-range strike, registering one of the fastest goals of the tournament. The move stemmed from Tunisia goalkeeper Chamakh rushing off his line to deal with a long ball from Victor Lindelof, only to push it into the path of Viktor Gykeres. Although Gykeres’ initial effort was blocked by Montassar Talbi, the rebound fell kindly to Ayari, who took a touch before smashing an unstoppable effort into the top corner.
Despite the quality of the finish, Ayari opted not to celebrate, instead raising his arms in a restrained gesture—an emotional reaction influenced by his family ties to Tunisia.
Born in Solna to Tunisian and Moroccan heritage, and eligible to represent Tunisia through his father, the Brighton midfielder’s subdued response reflected the personal significance of scoring against the country of his ancestry.
Sweden, though, quickly doubled their lead through Alexander Isak after a flowing attacking move. After Benjamin Nygren regained possession near his own penalty area and launched a long clearance forward, Gyokeres brought the ball under control with a composed touch before cleverly laying it off into Isak’s path.
The striker surged down the left flank, cut inside on the edge of the box, and fired a low effort that squeezed through Chamakh to make it 2-0 in Sweden’s favour.
Tunisia tried to fight their way back into the game as they responded before the break to halve the deficit.
After Valery’s long throw into the near-post area was initially cleared by Lagerbielke, Mejbri quickly recovered possession and delivered a dangerous cross into the box. With Sweden’s defence still committed forward, Rekik rose to glance a header past Kristoffer Nordfeldt and make it 2-1.
Mejbri’s influence stood out throughout the first half, with the midfielder consistently pulling the strings and providing Tunisia’s key creative spark.
SWEDEN PUT FINAL NAIL IN THE COFFIN
Sweden, who looked the more dominant side in the second half, made it three-one in the 59th minute through Viktor Gyokeres.
The costly mistake from Tunisia proved decisive as Chamakh played a short pass to Skhiri on the edge of his own area, but Isak pressed aggressively and dispossessed him.
Skhiri’s attempted recovery only opened the space further, allowing Isak to remain composed and square the ball to Gyokeres, who smashed home a powerful finish to make it 3-1.
But the talking point of the game was when Mattias Svanberg scored the second-fastest goal scored by a substitute in FIFA World Cup history. The goal, which was initially ruled out for offside, had an intervention and after the review, the goal was awarded when it was confirmed that Isak had made a subtle touch in the build-up, through cricket-like technology, ‘Snicko’, playing Svanberg onside.
Sweden’s bench played a key role in insisting on the check, and the decision further underlined their dominance.
Sweden then rounded off their performance in style with a fifth goal as Ayari completed his brace. Tunisia were caught in possession high up the pitch by Bergvall, who quickly fed the Brighton midfielder. With time and space to set himself, Ayari unleashed a powerful drive into the far corner to seal a comprehensive 5-1 victory.
Sweden will go on top of the Group F before they play against Netherlands on June 20, while Tunisia would like to get back on their feet after the horror night in Monterrey against Japan.
– Ends
