In a recent World Cup warm-up match, Sweden faced Greece in Solna, drawing 2-2. This match followed Sweden’s disappointing 3-1 loss to Norway. Coach Graham Potter opted for a starting lineup featuring Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres, while captain Victor Nilsson Lindelöf was absent due to injury.
Match Highlights
The game began with promise for Sweden, as Isak nearly scored early on, hitting just wide after receiving a pass from Yasin Ayari. However, it was Greece that struck first. In the 10th minute, Kostas Tsimikas scored with a shot into the top corner from the edge of the six-yard box.
Sweden faced a further scare when Dimitrios Kourbelis hit the crossbar. Despite a tough challenge from Panagiotis Retsos on Gyökeres, who received a yellow card, Sweden started to pressure for an equalizer. Benjamin Nygren came close with a shot just outside the goal.
Sweden’s Response
In the second half, Sweden leveled the match. Gyökeres converted a free kick in the 53rd minute, forcing the ball into the net after it deflected off a defender. Shortly after, Taha Ali assisted Gustaf Nilsson, who scored to put Sweden ahead 2-1.
However, drama unfolded in the final moments. In the 95th minute, Giorgos Masouras scored for Greece, equalizing the game at 2-2. Nygren was substituted due to an injury earlier in the match, visibly upset by the late goal conceded.
Players’ Reactions
- Gustaf Nilsson expressed disappointment over the late equalizer but acknowledged improvements compared to the previous game.
- Viktor Gyökeres stated the importance of playing with the national team and noted the team’s performance was much better in the second half.
Upcoming Matches
Sweden is set to travel to the USA, where they will begin their World Cup campaign against Tunisia on June 15. They will also compete against the Netherlands and Japan in the group stage.
Sweden’s Final Roster
- Kristoffer Nordfeldt
- Alexander Bernhardsson
- Gustaf Lagerbielke
- Eric Smith
- Daniel Svensson
- Hjalmar Ekdal
- Gabriel Gudmundsson
- Elliot Stroud
- Mattias Svanberg
- Yasin Ayari
- Benjamin Nygren
- Gustaf Nilsson
- Alexander Isak
- Viktor Gyökeres
- Anthony Elanga
Greece’s lineup featured players such as Konstantinos Tzolakis, Panagiotis Retsos, and Vangelis Pavlidis, among others.
This match served as a critical opportunity for both teams to assess their readiness for the World Cup. Sweden aims to build on this performance as they enter the tournament.
