Stockholm, October 11(HS): Sweden’s bid to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup was dealt a heavy setback after a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in their Group B qualifier at the Strawberry Arena, leaving them anchored at the bottom of the standings.In front of 50,151 spectators, Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 65th minute after Sevilla’s Djibril Sow was fouled in the box by Alexander Bernhardsson.

Freiburg’s Johan Manzambi sealed the win in stoppage time, his strike deflecting off Atalanta defender Isak Hien to beat the Swedish goalkeeper.The loss triggered frustration among home fans, with chants urging manager Jon Dahl Tomasson to step down.

Despite fielding star forwards Viktor Gyökeres of Arsenal and Alexander Isak of Liverpool, Sweden failed to register a single shot on target.The result leaves Sweden with just one point from three matches, trailing Switzerland — now top of the group — by eight points. Kosovo, currently second with four points, will travel to face Sweden on Monday, October 13, in a crucial fixture.

After reaching the quarter-finals in the 2018 World Cup, Sweden missed out on the 2022 edition and now face an uphill battle to avoid another absence from football’s biggest stage.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar