12:49, 01 Jul 2026Updated 12:49, 01 Jul 2026
Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres saw their World Cup dream end against France
Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres saw their World Cup dream end against France(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Alexander Isak shared the same praise as Viktor Gyokeres for “amazing” Kylian Mbappe after the French superstar ended their World Cup dream.
Sweden had high hopes of causing an upset with a strong front-three spearheaded by the Arsenal and Liverpool stars. But they were beaten by the better team, ending Isak’s season in disappointment.
Mbappe scored a stunning opener after beating Gyokeres, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic laying blame on Isak, who did not disagree. The Real Madrid star then added the third after Liverpool-linked Bradley Barcola had doubled their advantage.
Speaking in the mixed zone after the game, Isak said on Mbappe: “He's amazing. He's been one of the best in this tournament and in the world as well. So, we knew it was going to be a difficult task with him, and he showed his quality once again.”
Gyokeres shared similar sentiments, adding: “He’s an amazing player, of course.
“I don’t need to say something to him. I think he knows it and he’s done this for a lot of years now.
“He shows it here again, and he’s an incredible player, of course.”
Discussing the challenges France posed, Gyokeres explained: “They rotate with a lot of players. They come in different positions. They’re not static, know each other well in how they move and the connection between each other.
Mbappe put on a breathtaking display as France beat Sweden 3-0
Mbappe put on a breathtaking display as France beat Sweden 3-0(Image: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
“Of course, when they have that quality and have that movement, it’s going to be tough.
“I think we defended well for a while, and then, of course, after a while it’s difficult to keep it like that for 90 minutes.”
Meanwhile, Isak accepted he could have helped Gyokeres and his teammates out with a faster reaction to prevent France’s first goal after being confronted with Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s FOX Sports assessment.
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“Absolutely, very possible,” Isak admitted. “It’s sometimes difficult to know exactly what to do with these players.
“On the corners I've been a second ball player, outside the penalty area and the players who are there. But with the players France have, they are very free in their roles, they are a bit everywhere. But maybe I would have reacted better.”