Gyokeres and the Swedish war machine destroyed a shambolic Tunisian defence for a dream World Cup start
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Gyokeres and the Swedish war machine destroyed a shambolic Tunisian defence for a dream World Cup start

Sweden thrashed Tunisia 5-1 in Group F, with Yasin Ayari scoring twice and Alexander Isak adding a goal and two assists to earn the man of the match award.

World Cup
Sweden
5 - 1
FT
Tunisia

Sweden delivered a commanding performance at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, Mexico, brushing aside Tunisia 5-1 in their Group F opener. Yasin Ayari opened the scoring in the 7th minute after Tunisia's defence gifted possession, and Alexander Isak doubled the lead in the 30th with a powerful diagonal finish. Tunisia briefly rallied through Omar Rekik's header (43') to make it 2-1 at half-time, but the Scandinavians reasserted control in the second half.

Viktor Gyokeres, despite some frustratingly selfish moments earlier in the match, atoned by stealing the ball from Tunisian captain Skiris and finishing coolly for 3-1 in the 59th minute. Substitute Mathias Svanberg added a fourth in the 84th — a goal initially ruled out for offside but awarded after a VAR review — before Ayari crowned a brilliant individual display with a thunderous second goal deep in added time.

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Tunisia's defensive generosity was staggering throughout, constantly gifting possession at the back and leaving their goalkeeper exposed. Isak was the creative force, earning man of the match with his goal and two assists. Sweden top Group F and have made a serious statement of intent.

Goals: Ayari 7', Isak 30', Rekik 43', Gyokeres 59', Svanberg 84', Ayari 90+5'

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