Sweden’s final preparation match for the World Cup ended in acute frustration as Greece scored a stoppage-time equalizer to force a 2-2 draw on Thursday. The result leaves Graham Potter’s side with more questions than answers just days before they open their tournament campaign, with defensive issues again proving costly.
Having been outclassed 3-1 by Norway earlier in the week, the Swedes appeared on course for a morale-boosting victory when Gustav Nilsson fired them ahead in the 69th minute. But they were unable to see out the game, conceding deep into added time to continue a pattern of defensive lapses that has clouded their preparation.
The match began poorly for Sweden when Greece left-back Kostas Tsimikas opened the scoring in the 10th minute. He capitalized on hesitant defending to slot home, giving the visitors an early advantage and raising fears of another disjointed performance. The concession underscored a lack of cohesion in the Swedish backline that Norway had exploited so ruthlessly.
However, Viktor Gyökeres stepped up to haul his side level and momentarily silence the critics. Making his first international appearance since Arsenal’s defeat on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, the striker curled a precise 53rd-minute free-kick beyond the Greek wall and into the net. The goal was a stark reminder of his world-class quality and offered a glimpse of what he can bring to the World Cup, but it also highlighted Sweden’s over-reliance on individual moments.
Sweden’s momentum grew after the equalizer, and substitute Taha Ali provided the creative spark that led to what looked like the match-winner. Ali’s driving run and perfectly weighted pass released Nilsson to score from close range, sparking celebrations among the home supporters. For a brief period, Potter’s team showed the control and intent that had been missing against Norway.
But Greece refused to wilt. Winger Giorgos Masouras pounced in the 95th minute, sweeping home a low cross after a swift counter-attack caught the Swedish defense napping. The late collapse mirrored the defensive fragility that has crept into Sweden’s game under Potter, who has now seen his team concede five goals in his two pre-tournament friendlies.
The result marks a disappointing end to Sweden’s preparations. Potter, the English coach appointed to rejuvenate the national team, has yet to stamp his authority. While there were glimpses of attacking fluidity, the inability to manage games and protect leads remains a significant concern heading into a major tournament.
Gyökeres’s contribution offered a bright spot, but questions hover over the team’s mental resilience. Conceding late goals in friendlies can be dismissed as experimental, but the pattern of dropping points from winning positions is alarming. The Sweden camp will know that such lapses at the World Cup could prove fatal.
Sweden’s World Cup group is manageable but full of potential pitfalls. They begin their campaign against Tunisia on June 14 before facing a resurgent Netherlands and then a technically gifted Japan side. If they repeat the defensive errors seen against Norway and Greece, their stay in the tournament could be short. Potter must find a solution quickly, possibly by adjusting his midfield shield to offer more protection to the back four.
The late equalizer will sting, but the bigger picture demands a rapid reset. The squad has undeniable talent, with Gyökeres capable of match-winning moments, but the team structure must improve to support him. Potter and his coaching staff face a race against time to tighten the defensive unit and instill game management discipline.
For Sweden, the journey from preparation to performance is about to be tested in the most unforgiving environment. The draw with Greece serves as both a warning and an opportunity to learn – if the lessons are absorbed, they may still make an impact at the tournament. If not, another early exit could loom.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.
