Sweden delivered a ruthless performance on Monday at Friends Arena, defeating Azerbaijan 5-0 in a Group F European Championship qualifier. This was a complete turnaround from their previous outing against Belgium, a crushing 3-0 defeat highlighted by a Romelu Lukaku hat-trick. By dominating Azerbaijan—who looked lost for most of the game—Sweden showed they have the grit to compete at the highest level. With these three points, Sweden now sits third in the group standings, while Austria holds the top spot after beating Estonia 2-1, with Belgium following in second.
Sweden produced a clinical performance to thrash Azerbaijan 5-0 in their Group F European Championship qualifier at Friends Arena on Monday. After a terrible performance against Belgium last Saturday, in which Romelu Lukaku scored a hat-trick to beat Sweden 3-0, the Sweden players came out blazing and proved they are tough contenders for the title. Sweden secured its first win in a dominating fashion against a poor Azerbaijan that never found the rhythm in the match. With a comfortable victory, Sweden moves to the third spot in the group on three points. Austria who defeated Estonia 2-1 is at the top and the Belgians are placed second.
Sweden adopted an aggressive attacking strategy right from the start. An early effort from Alexander Isak was unfortunately disallowed due to offside. The breakthrough finally came in the 38th minute thanks to Emil Forsberg, who scored a brilliant goal with his right foot. Operating from the left flank, Forsberg tore through the Azerbaijani backline and hammered the ball past a blinded goalkeeper to make it 1-0.
Though they pushed for a second goal before the half, a few missed chances meant Sweden went into the break with only a one-goal lead. Their persistence paid off in the 65th minute when Bahlul Mustafazada accidentally turned an Isak cross into his own net, doubling Sweden's advantage. The lead grew further in the 79th minute when Viktor Gyokeres converted a precise pass from Jesper Karlsson with a sharp left-footed finish.
The match concluded with two highlight-reel goals from the bench. Jesper Karlsson netted a stunning free kick in the 88th minute, and Anthony Elanga capped off the night with a brilliant individual effort, dancing around the keeper before sliding the ball into the net.
Sweden had to navigate the match without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was sidelined due to injury. Manager Janne Andersson remained vague about the specific nature of the AC Milan forward's condition, noting only that the situation was frustrating for both the player and the team. This match marked a turning point for the 60-year-old Andersson, who had previously overseen the loss to Belgium. Ibrahimovic himself had only recently returned to action after a grueling eight-month recovery from a knee injury. Sweden's next challenge will be a clash with group leaders Austria on June 20.