THE big question for Sweden heading into this World Cup was whether their two star strikers could be shoehorned into the same side.
Manager Graham Potter got his answer with a 5-1 win over Tunisia in which Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres both got on the scoresheet.
Alexander Isak (right) and Viktor Gyokeres (left) both netted in Sweden’s win over Tunisia Credit: AP
Liverpool star Isak and Arsenal ace Gyokeres are more accustomed to playing as lone frontmen in the Premier League.
But they were deployed as a partnership in Monterrey – and an effective one at that – as Tunisia were outclassed despite giving Sweden a scare by halving their two-goal advantage before the break.
The victory leaves Sweden top of a tricky Group F which also includes the Netherlands and Japan.
With those two teams up next, Tunisia now have a mountain to climb.
A third Prem star got the ball rolling in the early hours of Monday morning as Brighton’s Yasin Ayari smashed in a beauty from 20 yards after a botched Tunisia clearance.
Ayari’s dad was born and raised in Tunisia so there were no wild celebrations from the 22-year-old, who rejected the chance to represent the North African nation several years ago.
Sweden were seeing plenty of the ball and when Tunisia did venture forward, they looked vulnerable.
Isak struck on the half-hour mark with a superb solo goal on the counter-attack.
His first World Cup strike nestled in the bottom corner but inexperienced goalkeeper Mouhib Chamakh may feel he should have done better if he can bring himself to watch the replays.
Hope returned to the Tunisian ranks when Omar Rekik – once on the books at Arsenal – headed in Hannibal Mejbri‘s cross just before half-time.
Gyokeres and Isak showed they still have work to do as a partnership when the former took too long to feed the latter during a promising Sweden attack which broke down when Isak was flagged offside.
But they made amends in the 60th minute when Isak stole possession from Ellyes Skhiri high up the pitch and fed Gyokeres, who finished confidently.
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us on TikTok @TheSun .
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
