Swedish Media Slam Isak, Gyökeres after 0-2 Loss to Kosovo

When Alexander Isak, striker of Liverpool FC stepped onto the pitch at Friends Arena in Solna, Sweden, the team fell to a 2-0 defeat against Kosovo on 9 September 2025. The loss came just three days after a 2-2 draw with Slovenia, leaving the Swedish side clutching a solitary point in the World Cup qualification race. Fans were quick to point fingers, and Swedish media turned the spotlight on the newcomer’s limited impact, as well as on fellow attackers and defenders who struggled to find a rhythm.

Background to the Qualifiers

Sweden entered UEFA Group G with lofty expectations. The group – featuring Switzerland, Slovenia, Kosovo and the Swedish Football Association (SvFF) – was viewed as winnable for the Scandinavians. Head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson, a former Danish international, was tasked with reviving a squad that had missed the 2022 finals.

But the opening round proved anything but smooth. A 2-2 stalemate in Ljubljana left questions about defensive cohesion, while the high‑priced striker Viktor Gyökeres – fresh from Arsenal FC – had yet to make a discernible mark.

Match Overview and Key Moments

The Solna clash began with Sweden dominating possession, yet the ball rarely threatened the Kosovar back line. By the 30th minute, the home side’s frustration was palpable. A missed penalty by Emil Krafth, Newcastle United’s returning right‑back, sparked murmurs across the stadium.

In the 57th minute, Kosovo broke the deadlock. Forward Albin Tahiri (note: local player) slipped a low pass into the box and struck a clean finish past Sweden’s keeper. The second goal arrived five minutes later when a swift counter‑attack left the Swedish defence exposed, and the ball curled into the top corner.

Isak, who had only been subbed on in the 72nd minute, barely touched the ball. According to a post‑match claim by Viaplay analyst Erik Niva, Liverpool may have capped his minutes at around twenty to protect the £125 million investment. Whether true or not, the limited cameo did little to shift the momentum.

Media and Fan Reaction

Swedish tabloids were quick to dissect the performance. Aftonbladet ran a headline reading “Isak’s ‘Awful’ 18‑minute cameo fuels speculation of a muted Liverpool order.” The article quoted Niva: “My impression is Liverpool ordered a maximum of 20 minutes, certainly no more, but that’s speculation.”

Meanwhile, Sweden Herald chastised Gyökeres, noting he “failed to impose any sharpness, rarely troubling the opposition defense.” A fan’s tweet captured the anger: “This guy has single‑handedly tanked his country’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup through his selfish behaviour over the summer.” Another voice, an Arsenal supporter, added, “He’s struggling to adapt to the national team setup – the pressure is real.”

Even the SvFF’s Instagram post was swamped with over 1,100 comments, prompting the federation to lock the comment section for moderation. The move sparked further debate about transparency and accountability.

Implications for Sweden’s Campaign

Trailed by five points behind group leaders Switzerland, Sweden now faces an uphill battle. The next fixtures – a crucial home tie against the Swiss on 11 October 2025 and a showdown with Slovenia three days later – could decide whether the Swedes keep alive their World Cup dream.

Tomasson admitted the pressure is mounting: “We have to regroup, tighten the defense and find a way for our attackers to be decisive.” The coach’s remarks were echoed by former Swedish captain Henrik Larsson, who warned, “A single loss at this stage can be the difference between a trip to Qatar 2026 and watching from home.”

What Lies Ahead for the Swedes

Looking ahead, the squad will likely shuffle the starting XI. Rumours suggest that Isak’s minutes could increase if Liverpool wants to showcase the player ahead of the transfer window. Gyökeres may be given a more central role, while Krafth and Elanga (who will be marked later) will need to shore up the back line.

The next two weeks will also see intense media scrutiny. Analysts predict that if Sweden cannot secure a win against Switzerland, the qualifying hopes could evaporate, forcing a reliance on goal difference against Slovenia.

Historical Context of Sweden vs Kosovo

Sweden and Kosovo have met just three times in senior competition, with Kosovo winning two of the three encounters. The 2025 loss marked the first time Kosovo has beaten Sweden in a competitive qualifier, a milestone that has stunned Swedish supporters accustomed to dominance in the region.

• 2025‑09‑09: Sweden 0‑2 Kosovo (Friends Arena)
• 2025‑09‑06: Sweden 2‑2 Slovenia (Ljubljana)
• Group G standings after two rounds: Switzerland 4 points, Sweden 1 point

All eyes are now on whether the Swedes can bounce back or if the campaign will become a cautionary tale of over‑hyped transfers and under‑delivered performances.