Graham Potter’s Sweden side delivered a commanding performance, securing a vital win thanks to Viktor Gyökeres’ outstanding hat-trick. This victory positions Sweden on the brink of World Cup qualification, needing only a home win against Poland on Tuesday.
Sweden 3-1 Ukraine in UEFA World Cup Qualifier
Gyökeres Shines as Sweden’s Talisman
Viktor Gyökeres proved unstoppable, showcasing elite No. 9 qualities with his hold-up play, defensive work rate, and clinical finishing. His hat-trick overwhelmed a Ukraine team hampered by injuries and suspensions. Sweden’s strong defensive display neutralized Ukraine’s possession, while Gyökeres dominated at the other end.
The game started perfectly for Sweden, with Gyökeres scoring in the sixth minute. Benjamin Nygren’s precise cross found him unmarked close range, and he converted effortlessly while staying onside. This early goal set the tone, giving Sweden belief they could pull away.
Second Goal Highlights Counter-Attacking Threat
Sweden anticipated counter-attacks would play a key role, and their front players exploited spaces brilliantly. In the second half, goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt’s quick distribution launched Gyökeres. He powered into the penalty area, then delicately chipped Anatoliy Trubin with a sublime right-footed finish.
Potter praised the team’s cohesion: “I liked the look of the team, the way they acted together. They executed what we asked them to do.” His three-center-back setup crowded out Ukraine, even after Isak Hien’s injury before halftime.
Penalty Seals Hat-Trick and Victory
Gyökeres completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after being clipped by Trubin while rounding the keeper. He dispatched it emphatically, despite a touch from the goalkeeper’s glove, celebrating with his signature mask gesture.
Anthony Elanga added busy probing on the wings, but Gyökeres was the standout, often a one-man wrecking crew with his running and work rate.
Ukraine Struggles Despite Spirited Support
Ukraine, playing in Levante’s stadium as a makeshift home, managed a late consolation through Matviy Ponomarenko. A crowd largely from Spain’s 338,000 Ukrainian residents cheered spiritedly, but the team couldn’t match Sweden physically or mentally.
Serhiy Rebrov noted: “We lost tonight because we couldn’t show our maximum as a collective. Sweden didn’t let us play in the final third, it was a very intense defence and very hard to open them.” Missing players like Oleksandr Zinchenko and Artem Dovbyk, Ukraine appeared diminished compared to their playoff team four years ago.
Potter highlighted Gyökeres’ all-around display: “To score a hat-trick was one thing. But I thought his overall performance, his hold-up play, his defensive responsibility to the team, was incredible.”
Sweden’s Turnaround Under Potter
This marks a stark improvement from Potter’s debut, a heavy loss to Switzerland. Now, with a contract until 2030, Potter has reshaped Sweden into a diligent, throwback unit. Alexander Isak and Dejan Kulusevski’s return promises even more.
“We’re still at the start of our journey together,” Potter said, eyeing further progress.
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