Viktor was world class. When you have a player like that you have a chance, said national team captain Graham Potter to Viaplay.
Gyökeres's individual skill was the big difference. Now Poland awaits at Strawberry Arena in Solna on Tuesday, in the match for a place in the playoffs in North America this summer
"It's going to be a fantastic night. It's going to be one of the most memorable football nights of my life," Potter said.
“Pressed us back”
Gyökeres struck in the sixth minute, in a way the national team has certainly not spoiled its supporters in recent years. It offered all the appetizing ingredients at once: speed, quick thinking, movement, precision and efficiency.
Anthony Elanga passed the ball deep to Benjamin Nygren, whose diagonal pass was met by Gyökeres at the far post.
With that goal in their favour, coach Potter's disciplined eleven could play on the result and primarily make sure not to get carried away defensively.
"We don't complain about scoring early, but it can affect the game in a way you don't want. All credit to them (Ukraine). They pushed us back," said Potter.
Isak Hien was forced off at the end of the first half. The expression on his face did not bode well when the centre-back limped off and was replaced by Carl Starfelt.
The Celta Vigo player has had an excellent season, which continued at the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia.
Left the arena
Things are changing fast. Kristoffer Nordfeldt's first difficult intervention was immediately followed by the moment that took Sweden to Tuesday's final at Strawberry Arena.
The ball bounced over centre-back Illya Zabarnyj. Gyökeres read the situation and angled it in to make it 2–0.
The success was completed in the 73rd minute. He was brought down and converted the penalty to make it 3–0.
"We knew that on counterattacks we could create problems for them and Viktor is a top player on counterattacks in large spaces," said Graham Potter.
"If Viktor continues to score hat-tricks, he will make it easy for me," the Englishman said.
At the end of the match, the Swedish fans sang "You old, you free." The Ukrainians began to leave the stadium in Valencia. Those who remained were able to cheer Matvij Ponomarenko's late equalizer.
