Sweden thrash Tunisia 5-1 as Ayari double powers dominant World Cup win

SWEDEN: Sweden produced a ruthless attacking performance to beat Tunisia 5-1 in their World Cup Group F clash on Sunday, with Yasin Ayari scoring twice in a standout display that also saw Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres among the goals.

Sweden made a fast start and took the lead in the seventh minute after Tunisia goalkeeper Mouhib Chamakh failed to clear under pressure from Alexander Isak. The loose ball fell to Gyökeres, whose effort was blocked, before Ayari smashed home a powerful finish to open the scoring.

Tunisia, set up to defend deep and counterattack, were caught again midway through the first half when Sweden won possession inside their own box. Gyökeres quickly released Isak, who drove forward, cut inside and calmly slotted past Chamakh to double the lead.

The North Africans briefly responded before half-time, with defender Omar Rekik scoring a well-placed header to reduce the deficit to 2-1, marking Tunisia’s first shot on target.

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However, Sweden restored control in the second half as their attacking duo clicked more effectively. On the hour mark, Isak capitalised on a mistake from Ellyes Skhiri before setting up Gyökeres for a simple finish to make it 3-1.

Substitute Mattias Svanberg added a fourth in the 84th minute, with his goal initially ruled out for offside but later awarded after a VAR review.

Ayari then capped off the win in stoppage time with a stunning long-range strike, sealing his second goal of the night and Sweden’s dominant victory.

Speaking after the match, Sweden coach Graham Potter praised his team’s composure and attacking threat, saying the side maintained discipline even after conceding.

Tunisia coach Sabri Lamouchi admitted his side made too many mistakes, calling the defeat “painful” and saying his team had “shot themselves in the foot” with defensive errors.

The result sends Sweden to the top of Group F with three points, ahead of Japan and the Netherlands, who drew their opening match 2-2.