Sweden smash five past Tunisia in World Cup opener

Sweden smash five past Tunisia in World Cup opener

Add Bangkok Post as a preferred source on Google
Swedish players celebrates during the match between Sweden and Tunisia in Montery, Mexico, on Sunday. (Photo: Reuters)
Swedish players celebrates during the match between Sweden and Tunisia in Montery, Mexico, on Sunday. (Photo: Reuters)

MONTERREY, ​Mexico - ⁠Sweden trio Yasin ​Ayari, Alexander Isak and Viktor ​Gyokeres were all ‌on target as they cruised to a 5-1 victory over Tunisia in Monterrey on Sunday to kick off ​their ⁠World Cup campaign in superb fashion.

Sweden took the lead after seven minutes when ‌Ayari's right-footed piledriver nestled into the far corner after goalkeeper Abdelmouhib Chamakh was caught off ⁠his line, before Isak doubled the advantage on the half-hour mark by coolly finishing a breakaway following a deft pass from Gyokeres.

Tunisia ​reduced the deficit two minutes before halftime through Omar Rekik's glancing ​header, ‌but Gyokeres restored Sweden's two-goal cushion in the 59th minute after ​midfielder ⁠Ellyes Skhiri was dispossessed on the edge of the ⁠area.

Mattias Svanberg side-footed home six minutes from time and Ayari netted his second of the night with ⁠a superb strike in stoppage ​time to complete the rout. Sweden top Group F on three points ahead of Japan ‌and the ⁠Netherlands, who drew 2-2 ​earlier.

Subscribe to our newsletters for daily updates, breaking news and exclusive content.

Please put in a valid-email.
You must agree before subscribing.