Sweden thrash Tunisia 5-1 to top World Cup Group F

Monterrey: Sweden produced a commanding display to defeat Tunisia 5–1 and move to the top of Group F in the World Cup.Yasin Ayari scored twice as Sweden secured a convincing win, with Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres and Mattias Svanberg also finding the net.Dominant performanceSweden took control early in the match, with Ayari opening the scoring after just seven minutes. The midfielder completed his brace with another long-range goal in second-half stoppage time.Isak and Gyökeres each contributed a goal and an assist, helping Sweden maintain their momentum throughout the match.Tunisia respondTunisia, ranked 45th in the world, managed to score through Omar Rekik but were unable to keep pace with Sweden’s attacking strength.The North African side is appearing in its seventh World Cup but has yet to progress beyond the group stage.Group standingsThe result puts Sweden at the top of Group F, ahead of the Netherlands and Japan, who earlier played out a 2–2 draw.Sweden entered the tournament ranked 39th globally and is making its return to the World Cup after missing the 2022 edition, having previously reached the quarter-finals in 2018.Historic openerAyari’s measured celebration after his goals reflected a personal connection, as he raised his hands out of respect for Tunisia, the country of his father’s origin.The win marks a strong start for Sweden as they aim to make an impact in Group F and progress to the knockout stages of the tournament.