Two goals by Isak – dream start in Nations League

You can say a lot about Jon Dahl Tomasson and the Dane's Swedish national team, but it's not boring. Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres secured the 3-1 victory against Azerbaijan in the Nations League premiere. But don't forget Viktor Johansson's brilliant debut.

» Updated:

» Published:

Two goals by Isak – dream start in Nations League
Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT

Share this article

It's something I've dreamed about since I was very little, so it feels incredible, incredibly nice, says Johansson after the match.

Dahl Tomasson is not afraid to let players go or make significant changes in his lineups. Take Alex Douglas, 23. In the spring, the center-back made his Allsvenskan debut with Västerås SK. In the summer, he was sold to Lech Poznan. And on a windy evening in Baku, he was sent directly into the starting eleven.

Talk about an unusual way into the national team. The usual way is through various youth national teams or it requires a number of gatherings.

I've never represented Sweden at any level. I was shocked when I was selected, he said this week.

Beside Isak Hien, Douglas made a promising debut in front of Viktor Johansson.

Penalty Save

Söderkisen was given the trust in the absence of the injured Robin Olsen and immediately showed that the selection was motivated.

Did we see Olsen's heir on the Tofik Bähmarov-stadium?

Johansson fought like a lion on the line and saved with the help of Hien a new nightmare start in Baku. It was close to a performance that Azerbaijan avoided taking the lead already after three minutes – just like in the 3–0 win in the European Championship qualifying match in November.

In the middle, Yasin Ayari made his debut in a competitive match, took charge, dared, but that final pass rarely went through, neither for the Premier League pro nor anyone else.

Chances were still created, on crosses and corners. Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak should have done better with their headers when they got the opportunities.

Despite Swedish dominance, no reward yet. Instead, Viktor Johansson got a hero role. In added time in the first half, he saved Ramil Sjejdajev's penalty, after Hien had intercepted an Azerbaijani attacker.

Clearly it went well. It's incredibly nice, both for self-confidence and self-esteem, says Johansson in Viaplay.

The Azerbaijanis were dangerous in their counter-attacks. The defensive vulnerability is the Achilles' heel in the national team's new give. Two new double saves by Johansson kept Sweden in the match.

Isak's Double

The game ebbed and flowed, with finishes at both ends in almost every attack.

In the end, the long-awaited Swedish goal came – a work of the offensive star trio. Captain Dejan Kulusevski found Gyökeres who turned into the penalty area, released to Isak who steered the ball in.

Just five minutes later (minute 70) Isak struck again, again played forward by Gyökeres. Whereupon Isak arranged a penalty that Gyökeres scored to 3–0.

The final result was 3–1 to Sweden, and next up is Estonia at home at the National Arena in Solna.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Pihlström Places Eleventh in 1500m Final at Tokyo World Championship

Pihlström Places Eleventh in 1500m Final at Tokyo World Championship

Lamine Yamal to Miss Barcelona's Champions League Opener vs Newcastle

Lamine Yamal to Miss Barcelona's Champions League Opener vs Newcastle

Edlund's Boil Disrupts 400m Hurdles at World Championship

Edlund's Boil Disrupts 400m Hurdles at World Championship

Montler Places Seventh in Long Jump Final at World Championship

Montler Places Seventh in Long Jump Final at World Championship

Government Allocates Half a Billion Kronor for Sports Facilities Expansion

Government Allocates Half a Billion Kronor for Sports Facilities Expansion

Henrik Larsson Sets Personal Best but Misses Direct Semifinal Spot

Henrik Larsson Sets Personal Best but Misses Direct Semifinal Spot

Felicia Granat's Cruciate Ligament Injury Sidelines Her for 2025-2026 Season

Felicia Granat's Cruciate Ligament Injury Sidelines Her for 2025-2026 Season

Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold Out for Weeks with Injury

Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold Out for Weeks with Injury

Björn Borg Opens Up About Cocaine Addiction in New Autobiography

Björn Borg Opens Up About Cocaine Addiction in New Autobiography

Tokyo World Championship: Humidity Challenges Asthmatic Runner

Tokyo World Championship: Humidity Challenges Asthmatic Runner

Beijing Criticizes Police Directive Alongside Allsvenskan Clubs

Beijing Criticizes Police Directive Alongside Allsvenskan Clubs

Footballer Thomas Partey Denies Rape Allegations in London Court

Footballer Thomas Partey Denies Rape Allegations in London Court

Andreas Almgren Pursues World Championship Medal in 5000 Meters

Andreas Almgren Pursues World Championship Medal in 5000 Meters

Jakob Ingebrigtsen Set to Compete in 5,000 Meters at World Championship

Jakob Ingebrigtsen Set to Compete in 5,000 Meters at World Championship

HockeyAllsvenskan Playoff Format Changes for Upcoming Season

HockeyAllsvenskan Playoff Format Changes for Upcoming Season

UK Sprinter Reprimanded for Religious Headband at World Championship

UK Sprinter Reprimanded for Religious Headband at World Championship

Shooting Near Beach Volleyball Arena in Brazil Alarms Olympic Stars

Shooting Near Beach Volleyball Arena in Brazil Alarms Olympic Stars

Lisa Lilja Retires from Sprinting, Partner Thobias Montler Confirms

Lisa Lilja Retires from Sprinting, Partner Thobias Montler Confirms

Thomas Partey Booed During Villarreal vs Tottenham Match

Thomas Partey Booed During Villarreal vs Tottenham Match

Police Mask Ban Directive in Allsvenskan Sparks Anger and Concern

Police Mask Ban Directive in Allsvenskan Sparks Anger and Concern