Sweden’s aspirations for qualifying for the World Cup took a serious hit as they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Kosovo in Gothenburg. The loss marks a significant setback for the 2018 quarter-finalists, who now find themselves at the bottom of Group B.
Key Match Details
In a crucial World Cup qualifying match, Fisnik Asllani scored the only goal of the game, allowing Kosovo to achieve a surprising double victory over Sweden. This win boosts Kosovo’s chances of securing at least a playoff spot.
Current Group Standings
Sweden remains grounded with just one point in the group, while Kosovo progresses with newfound momentum. The team’s star player, Alexander Isak, who has a transfer value of £125 million, failed to score again, continuing his struggle for form since his summer transfer from Newcastle to Liverpool.
Group B Overview
- Sweden: 1 point
- Kosovo: Improving chances for playoffs
Other Group Highlights
In other notable matches, leaders Switzerland experienced their first dropped points, settling for a goalless draw against Slovenia. This occurred in Ljubljana, affecting their position in Group B.
Meanwhile, France, another group leader, faced a challenging match against Iceland, ending in a 2-2 draw in Reykjavik. France could have secured their ticket to the finals but fell short despite leading during the second half.
Additional Group Developments
Ukraine managed to maintain pressure with a 2-1 victory over Azerbaijan, further complicating the road for France. Slovakia remains tied in points with Germany after a modest 2-0 victory over Luxembourg, showcasing competitive dynamics in the group.
Other Matches of Interest
In Wales’s group, North Macedonia ended their match against Kazakhstan in a 1-1 draw, adding to the day’s competitive spirit across various qualifiers.
The developments in these matches reflect the unpredictable nature of the World Cup qualifiers, making the road to the finals increasingly critical for all teams involved.
