Sweden closed out Sunday's World Cup slate with a commanding 5-1 victory over Tunisia on Monday, claiming the top spot in Group F after Matchday 1 – finishing above the Netherlands and Japan, who drew 2-2 in a thrilling match the night before.
The gap in quality between the northern European side and their North African opponents was evident from the opening minutes. But it was the first goal – arriving as early as the 7th minute – that delivered an unexpected human story. Yasin Ayari fired into the Tunisian net, did not celebrate, and made a gesture of apology toward the Tunisian players.
The reason was personal. Ayari's father is Tunisian. In recent years, we have grown accustomed to seeing players hold back celebrations against former clubs, but such stories at the international level remain exceedingly rare. In second-half stoppage time, Ayari completed his brace with another fine long-range strike – and this time, he allowed himself a smile.
For Sweden's remaining goals, there was nothing to apologize for. Alexander Isak found the far corner in the 30th minute with a finish that the Tunisian goalkeeper should have stopped. Tunisia kept their hopes alive heading into the second half when Omar Rekik scored in the 43rd minute. Still, those hopes evaporated in the 59th minute when a serious defensive error allowed the Swedes to add a third. Isak robbed a defender of the ball, found his attacking partner Viktor Gyökeres – Arsenal's center forward – and the Swede slotted home. Mattias Svanberg added a fourth in the 86th minute, and Ayari completed his brace in the 90th+6th minute to seal the scoreline.
Sweden, which qualified through the UEFA Nations League, can mark a box for an impressive debut and a string of fine goals at the tournament's opening stage. On Saturday, the Netherlands awaits – and that will be a far sterner test.
