Alexander Isak starred for Sweden, scoring one goal and providing an assist, as they cruised to a 5-1 victory over a youthful Northern Ireland side in a friendly match in Stockholm.
Isak set the tone for the hosts, teeing up Emil Holm for the opener in the seventh minute. Benjamin Nygren doubled Sweden’s lead midway through the first half, and the hosts continued to dominate after the restart.
Ken Sema added a third goal, slamming the ball home after Nygren’s effort hit the post. Isak then got on the scoresheet himself, firing a stunning 25-yard effort into the top corner. Substitute Anthony Elanga completed the rout with a fifth goal at the back post.
Northern Ireland, missing several key players, fielded a starting team with an average age of just 22.6 years old.
They grabbed a late consolation goal through Isaac Price’s deflected effort, but the match served as a harsh lesson for Michael O’Neill’s young side.
Attention now turns to June’s double header and the start of World Cup qualifying in September.
