Sweden produced a commanding performance on Sunday, beating Tunisia 5-1 to move into control of Group F and expose weaknesses in the North African side’s defensive structure.
A seventh-minute strike from Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari set the tone, as the Swedes capitalised on a defensive mix-up before the midfielder unleashed a long-range effort to open the scoring. Ayari, who is of Moroccan and Tunisian descent, offered only muted celebrations.
Alexander Isak doubled Sweden’s lead midway through the first half, racing onto a quick break before cutting inside and finishing despite the goalkeeper getting a touch.
Tunisia, who had not conceded during World Cup qualifying, briefly responded before half-time when Omar Rekik headed in from Hannibal Mejbri’s cross to make it 2-1.
But Sweden regained control after the break. Viktor Gyökeres restored the two-goal cushion in the 59th minute after capitalising on a mistake from Ellyes Skhiri, who was dispossessed on the edge of the box.
Substitute Mattias Svanberg added a fourth after VAR confirmed he was onside, before Ayari capped the performance with a second stunning long-range goal late on.
The result puts Sweden in a strong position in Group F, while Tunisia—despite their historic defensive record in qualifying—suffer a heavy setback.
Earlier in the group, Japan and the Netherlands played out a 2-2 draw.
