Gyökeres scores twice as Sweden rout Ukraine 3-1 in World Cup playoff

Viktor Gyökeres delivered a commanding performance with two goals as Sweden defeated Ukraine 3-1 on Thursday in the UEFA World Cup qualifying playoff semifinal at the Estadi Ciutat de València in Spain, keeping alive Swedish hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup.reddit+2

Gyökeres Sets the Tone Early

The Arsenal striker needed just six minutes to open the scoring, finishing a chance created by Benjamin Nygren to give Sweden an early lead. It was a statement from a player who had spoken before the match about the improved atmosphere in the Swedish camp under coach Graham Potter.foxsports+3

Carl Starfelt extended Sweden's advantage before halftime, making it 2-0 heading into the break. Ukraine, led by coach Serhiy Rebrov, struggled to break through a disciplined Swedish backline marshaled by captain Victor Lindelöf. Gyökeres then struck again in the 51st minute — assisted by goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt on a long ball — to put the result beyond doubt at 3-0. Ukraine managed a consolation goal but could not mount a comeback, and the match ended 1-3.sportsmole+4

Sweden Move One Step Closer

The victory is a redemption of sorts for Sweden, who finished last in World Cup qualifying Group B without a single win in six matches. Their place in the playoffs came only through winning their UEFA Nations League group in 2024, where Gyökeres had scored nine goals in six matches.flashscore+1

Potter, who replaced the sacked Jon Dahl Tomasson in October, now has a chance to guide Sweden to their first World Cup since 2018. Sweden will face the winner of Poland versus Albania in the Path B final on Tuesday, March 31, with a home match at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm.Sweden Herald+2

Ukraine's World Cup Dream Fades

For Ukraine, playing on neutral ground due to the ongoing war at home, the defeat ends their bid to reach only a second World Cup in their history as an independent nation — their sole appearance came in Germany in 2006. The absence of injured Lyon forward Roman Yaremchuk from the starting lineup was a blow, while Serhiy Rebrov's side could not replicate the form that saw them finish second in qualifying Group D behind France.beinsports+2