Updated 2024-09-06 08.40 | Published 2024-09-05 19.57
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full screen Photo: Maxim Thore / Bildbyrån
BAKU. 111th ranked Azerbaijan shook Sweden.
But Alexander Isak and above all Viktor Johansson saved Blågult.
– I’m just extremely happy, says the goalkeeper after the 3-1 victory.
Sweden started the Nations League, C division, in the best possible way when they defeated Azerbaijan away in Baku with 3-1 on Thursday evening.
Alexander Isak opened the scoring in the 65th minute after Viktor Gyökeres cut him free in the penalty area.
Isak gave away punishment
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Table of Contents
Six minutes later, the same duo doubled the lead. Gyökeres found Isak deep and free with the goalkeeper he chipped the ball into the net.
The attacking stars then completed the evening with the Sporting professional getting a penalty which Isak fixed.
The home team reduced late on, but never came closer than a crossbar shot from 3–2.
The victory means Jon Dahl Tomasson’s first in a competition context for Sweden.
But it could have gone the other way as well if it hadn’t been for Viktor Johansson’s dazzling play in goal.
Johansson saved the penalty
He made several high-quality saves and also scored a penalty at 0-0 after Isak Hien slipped and tackled in his own penalty area.
– It was great fun to save some balls and help the team when needed. It’s always fun to save some shots. I immediately felt when he blew a penalty that I can take it then. Right now I’m just extremely happy that we get three points and to do it in front of the Swedish fans who traveled here, says the goalkeeper.
What do you say about the punishment?
– I immediately felt when he blew a penalty that now I have to take it.
Bojan critical
It’s not the best punishment you’ve seen. Did you psyche him out?
– Yes, a little. I knew he was trying to trick me, but he probably didn’t know I was trying to trick him. It turned out quite well, says Johansson with a smile.
Afterwards, national team captain Jon Dahl Tomasson confirmed that Viktor Johansson will have new confidence against Estonia on Sunday – a message Sportbladet then gave Viktor Johansson in the mixed zone.
– I didn’t know that. That was fun to hear!
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full screen Viktor Johansson is interviewed by Sportbladet’s Michael Wagner. Photo: Bildbyrån
After the premiership victory, Erik Niva chatted with Sportbladet’s readers. Read the questions and answers here:
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Listen, now harsh Azeri military police announce that they intend to turn off all Wi-Fi in the arena.
Thus, I am SILENCED BY THE REGIME, and am allowed to shut down.
Take advantage of Thursday night!
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If you see the glass as half full. What are we taking with us?
tobias
Three points. Three striker goals. A super effort by the goalkeeper.
Concretely, it’s quite a lot – on a slightly more abstract level then all that work peace and faith in the future and minutes in the legs and players who got a chance to get to know each other better etc.
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Now that we have a trio of super talents in the form of Hugo, Bergvall and Nanasi, isn’t it time to record them as soon as possible? They will still hopefully play for another 10-15 years in the national team
Tobias
Still believe that the main principle for a national team captain must be to get the best possible team out on the pitch every given night.
The watch-and-learn and stand-on-growth mentality can certainly have its function in a squad, but the players who go out on the field must be the best at the moment.
Then certainly one or some of those you mentioned can already claim to be.
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Is Forsberg a better choice than them today?
Jonte
If Forsberg were to play, he would have assumed Elanga’s role. It had become a different kind of player – a different kind of threat – but it wasn’t like Elanga cemented his place tonight right away.
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Why was bergvall thrown into the wrong position as a defensive 6a when there are others who play that role better than him do you think?
Sweden’s new national team captain.
It’s pretty much the midfield role that is in this model?! Otherwise, we’ll have to change the weighting, if it didn’t happen that he would come in and reveal Alexander Isak’s role.
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1 / 2Photo: Maxim Thore / Bildbyrån
What were the key moments in Sweden’s 3-1 victory over Azerbaijan in their Nations League opener?
Sweden Defeats Azerbaijan 3-1 in Nations League Opener
Sweden kicked off their Nations League campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Azerbaijan in Baku on Thursday evening. The win marked Jon Dahl Tomasson’s first competitive victory as Sweden’s national team coach.
Alexander Isak opened the scoring in the 65th minute, finishing off a beautifully crafted move by Viktor Gyökeres. The duo combined again six minutes later to double Sweden’s lead, with
What were the key moments that led to Sweden’s 3-1 victory over Azerbaijan in the Nations League opener?
Sweden Defeats Azerbaijan 3-1 in Nations League Opener
Sweden started their Nations League campaign in the best possible way, defeating Azerbaijan 3-1 away in Baku on Thursday evening. The victory marks Jon Dahl Tomasson’s first win in a competition context for Sweden.
Alexander Isak Shines
Alexander Isak opened the scoring in the 65th minute after Viktor Gyökeres cut him free in the penalty area. Six minutes later, the same duo doubled the lead, with Gyökeres finding Isak deep and free to chip the ball into the net. The attacking stars then completed the evening with Isak converting a penalty.
Viktor Johansson Saves the Day
However, it could have gone the other way if not for Viktor Johansson’s dazzling play in goal. He made several high-quality saves and also saved a penalty at 0-0 after Isak Hien slipped and tackled in his own penalty area. Johansson was thrilled with his performance, saying, “It was great fun to save some balls and help the team when needed. I immediately felt when he blew a penalty that I can take it then. Right now, I’m just extremely happy that we get three points and to do it in front of the Swedish fans who traveled here.”
Key Moments
According to reports from UEFA [1], ESPN [2], and FotMob [3], the key moments in Sweden’s 3-1 victory over Azerbaijan were:
Alexander Isak’s opening goal in the 65th minute
Viktor Gyökeres and Isak’s duo goal in the 71st minute
Viktor Johansson’s penalty save in the first half
Isak’s converted penalty in the second half
Match Summary
Sweden started strong, with Alexander Isak scoring the opening goal in the 65th minute. Viktor Gyökeres and Isak then doubled the lead six minutes later. Despite Azerbaijan’s late push, Sweden held on to secure a 3-1 victory.
Post-Match Reaction
Viktor Johansson was thrilled with his performance, saying, “I’m just extremely happy that we get three points and to do it in front of the Swedish fans who traveled here.” The victory marks a promising start to Sweden’s Nations League campaign.
Sweden’s 3-1 victory over Azerbaijan was a thrilling match that showcased the team’s attacking prowess and goalkeeper Viktor Johansson’s exceptional skills. With this win, Sweden gets off to a strong start in the Nations League, and fans can look forward to more exciting matches to come.
