SOCCER: Sweden smash five past Tunisia in World Cup opener

MONTERREY, Mexico — Yasin Ayari scored twice as Sweden opened their World Cup Group F campaign in dominant fashion, defeating Tunisia 5-1 on Sunday. Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres also found the net as Sweden produced their highest-scoring World Cup match since 1938.

Sweden, who had narrowly qualified after a difficult campaign, struck early when Ayari capitalized on a defensive error in the seventh minute. Under pressure from Isak, Tunisian goalkeeper Mouhib Chamakh mishandled a clearance, allowing Gyökeres’ blocked effort to fall kindly for Ayari, who blasted a powerful finish into the net.

Tunisia, set up to absorb pressure and counterattack, were caught out again midway through the first half. Sweden recovered possession deep in their own half and quickly launched a break, with Gyökeres chesting the ball to Isak, who drove down the left flank before cutting inside and finishing past Chamakh to double the lead.

Despite struggling to create chances, Tunisia pulled one back before halftime through defender Omar Rekik, who scored with a well-placed header from their first shot on target.

Sweden’s attacking duo of Isak and Gyökeres initially lacked cohesion after the restart, but they soon reestablished control. In the 60th minute, Isak intercepted a pass from Ellyes Skhiri and set up Gyökeres for a simple finish to make it 3-1.

Substitute Mattias Svanberg added a fourth in the 84th minute, with the goal initially ruled offside before being awarded following a VAR review.

Ayari completed his brace in stoppage time with another long-range strike, sealing a commanding victory and sending Sweden to the top of Group F with three points, ahead of Japan and the Netherlands.

Sweden head coach Graham Potter praised his team’s composure and attacking threat.

“It’s football, anything can happen, especially at 2-1, but I thought the boys showed stability and calmness throughout,” Potter said. “We always believed that if we stayed compact, we had the quality up front to hurt them.”

He also praised Isak and Gyökeres, noting their developing partnership. “They haven’t played much together, so it will improve. They worked hard for each other and both were fantastic.”

Tunisia head coach Sabri Lamouchi admitted his side struggled defensively after the heavy defeat.

“It’s a difficult loss. We made too many mistakes, and at this level, you cannot do that. We hurt ourselves,” Lamouchi said. -Reporting by Hatem Maher and Philip O'ConnorEditing by Christian Radnedge and Peter Rutherford/Reuters