Viktor Gyokeres Leads Sweden's World Cup Charge
Viktor Gyokeres is unfazed by the pressure to deliver for Sweden, who are looking to return to the World Cup after missing out on Qatar four years ago.
Gyokeres is set to play under Graham Potter for the first time, having missed the November fixtures due to injury...
Viktor Gyokeres believes Sweden has a good chance of reaching the World Cup under Graham Potter. The Arsenal centre-forward notes a better atmosphere in the Swedish camp and a renewed belief, despite injury concerns ahead of their World Cup qualification play-off semi-final against Ukraine.
Sweden is dealing with injuries, including Alexander Isak's absence, which puts the spotlight on Gyokeres to lead the line. The match against Ukraine is in Valencia, Spain, and Gyokeres is ready to step up.
Viktor Gyokeres struggled to make an impact in Sweden's disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign, failing to score in their six matches in Group B. This poor run led to Jon Dahl Tomasson's dismissal and Graham Potter's appointment, with Sweden now looking to bounce back in the play-offs.
Gyokeres has, however, been in good form, scoring nine goals in six matches as Sweden won their UEFA Nations League group last year. This earned them a spot in the play-offs, and they're now facing Ukraine in a crucial tie.
Gyokeres is unfazed by the pressure to deliver for Sweden, who are looking to return to the World Cup after missing out on Qatar four years ago. “Pressure is not something that concerns me,” he told the media, confident in his abilities to lead the team forward
“I don't think about it too much. When you play so many important games, you focus on just trying to do your best. As a striker, you always want to go out and score goals.”
This semi-final clash is huge for both sides, with Sweden facing a tough opponent ranked 12 places above them. Goals will be hard to come by, making every chance count, especially against a Ukrainian team bidding to return to the World Cup finals for the first time since 2006.
“The match is extremely important. It's a tough match. It could be a match where not many chances are created. That's what counts. We'll try to go in and get the momentum we want and create good chances,” Gyokeres said.
Gyokeres is set to play under Graham Potter for the first time, having missed the November fixtures due to injury. He noticed a different vibe in the Swedish camp during his last appearances in October, suggesting Potter's influence is already being felt
“It's more positive, but of course it's been a few months since then. We've tried to put it behind us and focus on this match we have here and hopefully another one in Stockholm in a few days,” he said, referring to a potential play-off final with Poland or Albania on Tuesday 31st March.
“It's different with Graham and all the other new members of the coaching staff. It's easier to put the games from last autumn behind us. Plus, we have a good chance of reaching the World Cup,” he added.
The positive vibes are palpable in the Swedish camp, with teammates bonding over beach trips and deep convos. Gustaf Lagerbielke revealed he, Noel Tornqvist, and Benjamin Nygren have been regularly hitting the beach to discuss life, the universe, and everything.
“It gets really deep,” the Braga defender confessed: “Everything from conspiracy theories to the starting XI. We cover whether the moon landing was faked or not. The others had interesting thoughts - it was fun to hear!”
“We're not very good at zodiac signs, but we discuss how far away they are and whether there are aliens.” As for how the 'stars' are doing ahead of Thursday's match: “We think they are in good shape,” said Lagerbielke.
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