Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres endured a nightmare international break for Sweden, leaving both fans and critics frustrated.
What was meant to be a statement week for the Scandinavian nation turned into a series of lacklustre performances that have all but ended their World Cup hopes.
For two of Sweden’s Premier League stars, the damage went beyond the scoreboard it raised real questions about leadership, mentality, and finishing.
On Friday, Sweden hosted Switzerland in what was a crucial World Cup qualifying fixture. The attack, led by Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres, was lifeless from start to finish.
Neither managed a single shot on target throughout the 90 minutes, while Switzerland recorded eight, two of which found the back of the net. The visitors dominated in every department, leaving the home fans deflated.
For Isak, Sweden’s captain, it was a particularly disappointing display. He looked isolated, out of rhythm, and a shadow of the clinical forward Newcastle fans are used to seeing.
Then came Monday night’s clash against Kosovo—a side ranked 91st in the world and one that Sweden were expected to beat comfortably. Instead, things got worse.
Once again, Isak and Gyökeres started up front, and once again, the attack failed to click. The first half was dire. Sweden were second best in every duel, lacked urgency, and barely threatened. Kosovo took the lead and could have doubled it when they struck the post before halftime.
With Sweden’s qualification hopes fading fast, manager Jon Dahl Tomasson made a desperate triple substitution at the break. One of those changes was Newcastle’s Anthony Elanga, who replaced one of the struggling midfielders.
His introduction immediately injected life and energy into the side. Elanga whipped in a dangerous cross early on that Gyökeres should have converted, only to direct his header straight at the goalkeeper.
Moments later, Elanga delivered another precise ball, but this time Isak failed to hit the target altogether.
The Newcastle winger continued to cause problems for the Kosovan defence, repeatedly creating chances that went begging. The pattern was painfully familiar Elanga providing, the strikers wasting.
Late in the match, another inviting delivery from Elanga found Isak, but the Swede’s header was saved comfortably. It was the story of the night: plenty of service, no end product.
Sweden slumped to a humiliating 1-0 defeat that leaves them bottom of their group with just one point after four games. With only two fixtures remaining, their qualification hopes for the 2026 World Cup are all but over.
The defeat not only underlined Sweden’s attacking problems but also put Tomasson’s job in serious jeopardy. Fans are furious, pundits are calling for change, and players like Elanga despite his positive cameo are being let down by teammates who can’t convert chances.
Across the international break, other Newcastle United stars had far better fortunes representing their countries.
Thursday, 9 October
- England cruised to a 3-0 win over Wales.
- Anthony Gordon was a standout performer, driving the attack with energy and creativity.
- England went 3-0 up inside 20 minutes and comfortably saw out the game.
- Dan Burn was an unused substitute.
Friday, 10 October
- South Korea 0–5 Brazil: Bruno Guimarães delivered a world-class assist to set up Estevão’s opening goal in a dominant display. Joelinton remained on the bench, while Bruno was substituted after 79 minutes.
- Germany 4–0 Luxembourg: Nick Woltemade led the line superbly for Germany, displaying excellent link-up play and movement even though he didn’t get on the scoresheet.
- Sweden 0–2 Switzerland: Elanga watched from the bench as Sweden’s hopes faded, leaving them eight points behind Switzerland with three matches remaining.
Saturday, 11 October
- Estonia 1–3 Italy: Sandro Tonali shone for the Azzurri, earning man-of-the-match honours across Italian media outlets. His control of the midfield drew comparisons to the great Italian playmakers of the past.
Monday, 13 October
- Northern Ireland 0–1 Germany: Nick Woltemade grabbed his first international goal, heading home the winner in the 31st minute to keep Germany top of their group. He worked tirelessly for 92 minutes before being subbed off late on.
- Sweden 0–1 Kosovo: Sweden’s disastrous campaign continued as they suffered an embarrassing home defeat. Elanga came off the bench at halftime, immediately improving Sweden’s attacking flow, but Isak and Gyökeres wasted every opportunity.
Tuesday, 14 October (Upcoming fixtures)
- Italy vs. Israel (Sandro Tonali) – World Cup Qualifier
- Latvia vs. England (Anthony Gordon, Dan Burn) – World Cup Qualifier
- Japan vs. Brazil (Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton) – Friendly
For Isak and Gyökeres, the break has been one to forget. Both arrived full of confidence from club football but left with frustration and criticism ringing in their ears.
Their chemistry was off, their decision-making poor, and their finishing below par. Elanga, meanwhile, showed glimpses of the future Sweden could have a side built on pace, directness, and purpose.
If Sweden’s World Cup dream is to be revived, it may require more than just tactical changes. Players like Isak must rediscover their confidence, Gyökeres needs to become more clinical, and Elanga deserves a bigger role.
But as things stand, Sweden’s hopes are hanging by a thread, their fans disillusioned, and their strikers badly out of form. For Isak and Gyökeres, the time for excuses is over—it’s time to deliver.
