Monterrey: Sweden have launched their World Cup campaign in style with a 5-1 victory over Tunisia in Monterrey. The result marked Sweden’s highest-scoring match at the tournament since an 8-0 win over Cuba in 1938 and provided an ideal start in Group F.
Yasin Ayari was the standout performer, scoring twice as Sweden took control early in the contest. The midfielder opened the scoring in the seventh minute after a defensive error by Tunisia goalkeeper Mouhib Chamakh allowed Sweden to capitalise. Ayari then struck a powerful effort into the net to give his side the lead.
Tunisia attempted to respond but were caught on the counterattack midway through the first half. Alexander Isak doubled Sweden’s advantage after being released by Viktor Gyokeres and calmly finishing past Chamakh. Tunisia managed to reduce the deficit before the interval when Omar Rekik headed home from the team’s first effort on target.
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The second half saw Sweden continue to create chances, with Isak and Gyokeres combining more effectively as the match progressed. On the hour mark, Isak won possession and set up Gyokeres, who finished comfortably to extend the lead to 3-1.
Substitute Mattias Svanberg added a fourth goal in the 84th minute. Although initially ruled out for offside, a VAR review confirmed the goal. Ayari then completed his brace in stoppage time with a powerful long-range strike that sealed an emphatic victory.
The World Cup win moved Sweden to the top of Group F on three points ahead of Japan and the Netherlands, who drew 2-2 earlier in the day. The result has boosted Sweden’s confidence ahead of their remaining group matches, while Tunisia will look to recover after a difficult opening performance.
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