Image Credits: Imago Images
Alexander Isak was in fine form for his nation on Monday night. Sweden’s final World Cup warm-up in Oslo could hardly have started worse.
Norway flew out of the blocks at Ullevaal, pinning Graham Potter’s side back and racing into a three-goal lead inside the opening 40 minutes. Jørgen Strand Larsen’s brace and a sharp finish from Antonio Nusa left the the visitors shell-shocked and the scoreboard reading 3-0 before the break.
With Sweden second best all over the pitch and struggling to get out, the contest looked dead long before the hour mark. Graham Potter opted to introduce Isak in the 62nd minute and the 26-year-old wasted no time in making his mark.
Finally giving the away fans something to cheer, he latched onto a ball down the left, driving at the Norwegian back line and curling a superb effort into the far top corner to make it 3-1.
Isak on target for @svenskfotboll 🎯🇸🇪 pic.twitter.com/b7sFJieks4
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 2, 2026
It was only a consolation on the night, but in a grim 3-1 defeat it was Isak’s moment of quality that stood out – a reminder, for club and country, that if Sweden can get him into those positions more often, he has the class to change games almost on his own.
Meanwhile, Swedish media were happy with this performance:
Fotbollskanalen gave the Liverpool No.9 a 3/5 and wrote:
“Came to two finishing positions with his right foot. One he made it 3-1. An important message for Sweden ahead of the World Cup.”
Meanwhile, Maximilian Damm of Svenska Fans gave him a 2/3 and wrote:
“He scored a dream goal and created chances. He showed that he actually wanted to make something happen with his game, and didn’t just stand still. He showed his magic, and I think he could have smashed in a hat-trick if he’d started.”
After the game, Isak was quizzed on the managerial changes at Liverpool, but admitted he is now ‘disconnected’ from the club as he focuses on the World Cup.