Sweden 2-1 Slovakia Player Ratings: Isak and Gyokeres seal deal for Sweden

Sweden produced a comfortable 2-1 win over Slovakia on matchday 5 of the UEFA Nations League, thus confirming their place in the next round. In what promised to be a tight battle, Sweden drew first blood very early in the game, putting the Slovaks on the backfoot. Viktor Gyokeres continued his stellar scoring run with a brilliant finish past Martin Dubravka following a great through ball played by Alexander Isak. But the lead was only short-lived, with David Hancko equalising for the visitors in the 19th minute.

The home side continued to dominate possession and Isak put them on the front foot again a few minutes after the break. The Sweden dribbled his way past Slovak defenders before blasting his shot into the nets, with Gyokeres being the provider this time. The Slovaks were hardly convincing in their efforts to find the equaliser, while their star defender Milan Skriniar was also sent off towards the end.

Sweden Player Ratings vs Slovakia

Goalkeeper

Viktor Johansson: 6/10 – Couldn’t do much with Hancko’s equaliser. And was hardly called into action apart from that.

Defenders

Victor Lindelof: N/A – Limped off with a thigh injury in the 26th minute

Isak Hien: 7/10 – Hien was a defensive colossus, with his physicality and awareness keeping Slovak attackers at arm’s length. Won 8 duels in total and completed the most passes of the game.

Gabriel Gudmundsson: 6/10 – A mixed first half after dealing well with the threat of Suslov but his sloppy clearance led to Hancko’s leveller. Also received a yellow for a reckless challenge. But improved after the break.

Midfielders

Ken Sema: 6/10 – Wriggled his way past his marker before delivering a crucial pass to Gyokeres, who then set up Isak for the second goal.

Anton Saletros: 6/10 – Made his presence felt with 6 recoveries and 2 tackles.

Dejan Kulusevski: 6/10 – Won the ball that led to Gyokeres’ first goal. Was industrious throughout the game and his ball-carrying was at its usual best. The only snag was his finishing skills needed more polishing.

Yasin Ayari: 7/10 – An impressive display from the 21-year-old, who played some dangerous progressive passes, including the lofted ball to Isak in the penalty box, whose shot went over the post. Also showed great ball-winning capability.

Niclas Eliasson: 6/10 – Was effective throughout the game, whether it was defending deep or smothering the opponents up front.

Attackers

Alexander Isak: 8/10 – The Newcastle United striker put in a masterclass, topped by a goal and an assist. Playing behind Gyokeres, Isak caused all sorts of problems for the Slovak’s defence with his ability to drop deep, link-up play and his nimble foot. Showed great chemistry with his strike partner Gyokeres. The way he dribbled past three Slovak defenders for the winning strike took the cake.

Viktor Gyokeres: 8/10 – The hottest striker in Europe continued his rich vein of form with a brilliant goal early in the game. Also set up Isak with a great pass inside the penalty box.

Substitutes

Carl Starfelt: 6/10 – Put in a good shift after replacing Lindelof

Emil Holm: 5/10 – Made a vital interception near the goal line.

Jesper Karlstrom: N/A

Manager

Jon Dahl Tomasson: 7/10 – Despite Hancko’s equaliser, Tomasson’s insistence on dominating the game yielded Swede a huge win. The strike partnership of Gyokeres and Isak once again proved too much for the opponents. Unlike the reverse fixture, the Swede held on to the scoreline and avoided a draw.

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Slovakia Player Ratings vs Sweden

Goalkeeper

Martin Dubravka: 5/10 – Was unprepared for Gyokeres’ first goal which happened in the blink of an eye but looked sharp on a few occasions.

Defenders

David Hancko: 7/10 The left-back scored a delightful goal with his first touch on the loose ball, with his strike hitting the inside of the left post and rolling into the nets. Provided more threat with his passing range.

Milan Skriniar: 5/10 – Despite the two goals which he held less accountable for, Skriniar marshalled the defence impressively. Made a game-high 10 clearances and his long balls were exquisite. However, he had to end the evening on a sour note after receiving a red card at the stroke of the full-time.

Denis Vavro: 4/10 – Was taken off before half-time after suffering a head injury.

Norbert Gyomber: 5/10 – Although he put in a good shift for larger spells, the right-back allowed Sema to get past him in the build-up to the second goal.

Midfielders

Stanislav Lobotka: 5/10 – Not up to his standards and often found himself behind the trail of Swedish players. And should have done better to intercept Gyokeres’ pass to Isak for Sweden’s second goal.

Ondrej Duda: 5/10 – Was a bit sloppy in possession but sturdy on the defensive side, making 6 recoveries and winning 2 tackles

Laszlo Benes: 4/10 – Was robbed off the ball against the run of the play that led to Sweden’s opener.

Attackers

David Duris: 4/10 – Failed to make an impact offensively or on the defensive end. Fluffed his chance after a great pass from Sterlec.

Tomas Suslov: 5/10 – The diminutive winger was tenacious throughout the game but failed to make a big difference.

David Strelec: 4/10 – Sterlec provided a great cut-back to Duris, who fluffed his opportunity. The striker had a bright chance but miscontrolled a fiery cross from Hancko.

Substitutes

Adam Hobert: 5/10 – Gave his best in a vulnerable defence and also frequently drove forward in transitions.

Ivan Schranz: N/A – Failed to capitalise on a couple of opportunities.

Tomas Rigo: N/A

Matus Bero: N/A

Manager

Francesco Calzona: 4/10 – Failed to strategise a constructive plan against the Sweden at any stage. The Slovaks were the inferior side for the majority of the game and with the thin score-line, they could have pushed hard. Registering just 2 shots on target wasn’t encouraging.

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