Swedish media have reacted to Alexander Isak's performance in a 5-1 win over Tunisia at the World Cup
Alexander Isak of Sweden
Alexander Isak played a key role for Sweden against Tunisia(Image: David Ramos, Getty Images)
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Alexander Isak was instrumental as Sweden delivered a commanding display in their World Cup opener. Graham Potter's team started the tournament with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Tunisia in Group F.
The Liverpool forward endured a difficult debut season at Anfield after his British record move from Newcastle United, netting only three league goals. The 26-year-old initially struggled for match sharpness before breaking his leg in December, though he returned in time to earn his World Cup place.
The World Cup presents Isak with an early opportunity to impress new Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola and demonstrate he has returned to peak form on the world stage. His attacking partnership with Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres could also prove encouraging for a potential combination with Hugo Ekitike for the Reds.
"The plan was that we [Isak and Gyokeres] could be the difference and counter," Isak revealed following Sweden's triumph. "Do maximum actions and then recover a bit. It worked well.
"You've been nagging us to get more out of it, but I think we're doing well. Playing well together doesn't necessarily mean we're playing tiki-taka with each other or assisting each other. The most important thing is that we contribute to the team."
Isak found the net and laid on two assists as Sweden made a flying start. Here is what Swedish media made of the forward's performance.
Aftonbladet
A report from Aftonbladet claimed that Isak "dominated" against Tunisia. His impact proved crucial as Sweden "crushed" their opponents, who had not conceded a goal during World Cup qualifying.
The Liverpool star was awarded man of the match honours after netting Sweden's second goal of the evening from range at the end of a counter-attack. Isak also received plaudits for the manner in which he "stole the ball from Tunisia captain Ellyes Skhiri", which led to Gyokeres adding to the team's advantage.
Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak
Isak formed an effective partnership with Viktor Gyokeres(Image: Ryan Pierse - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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In the final few minutes, Isak touched on a free-kick into Mattias Svanberg's path, who "scored immediately" after coming on as a substitute. The triumph was characterised as placing Sweden "in a golden position" to progress to the knockout stages.
Expressen
The fixture represented Sweden's first World Cup match since 2018. A report from Expressen noted: "Sweden is back in the footballing spotlight and struck with an immediate victory."
The Swedish outlet reported that Isak had "introduced himself again". It was highlighted that the Liverpool forward had overcome "an injury-plagued season" to find the net for his first World Cup goal in the 30th minute.
Isak received the player of the match award
Isak received the player of the match award(Image: Manuel Velasquez - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Tunisia were described as having "lost the ball at a cost" just before the hour mark as Isak regained possession to tee up Gyokeres' strike. Expressen said the side's display had "generated something of an echo in the football world" off the back of their commanding victory.
Goteborgs-Posten
Goteborgs-Posten reported that Sweden had beaten a "weak Tunisia", who had been culpable for two of the goals. Meanwhile, Isak earned "the highest rating" for Sweden as the outlet also acknowledged the forward's contribution in the build-up that led to the team's opener from Yasin Ayari.
Summing up Isak's performance, the publication wrote: "The attacking star was involved in four goals and showed he is back in earnest after injuries and poor form."
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