By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
Viktor Gyökeres delivered a ruthless hat-trick to fire Sweden past Ukraine, while Kosovo produced a thrilling comeback to defeat Slovakia—sending both nations to the brink of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.
Sweden’s superiority was evident from the start, with Gyökeres setting the tone early and finishing clinically.
Gyökeres opened the scoring with a composed finish in the sixth minute, doubled the lead shortly after halftime before completing his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 73 minute of play.
Ukraine managed a late consolation through Ponomarenko in the 90 minute but Sweden were firmly in control throughout the contest.
Sweden’s high pressing and direct attacking play overwhelmed Ukraine, with Gyökeres’ movement and finishing proving decisive.
Kosovo’s clash with Slovakia delivered one of the most dramatic encounters of the playoffs.
Slovakia raced into a 2-1 first-half lead, with goals from Valjent (6’) and Lukáš Haraslín (45’) on either side of Vedat Hodža’s (21’) strike for Kosovo.
However, the second half told a completely different story. Kosovo returned from the break with renewed intensity, leveling almost immediately through Fisnik Asllani (47’)* before Florent Muslija (60’) fired them into the lead.
With momentum firmly on their side, Kreshnik Hajrizi (72’) put the game beyond doubt with a fourth goal.
A late strike from David Strelec (90+4’) gave Slovakia brief hope, but it was not enough to force extra time.
Kosovo’s ability to shift momentum immediately after halftime proved decisive, while Sweden’s control ensured there was never a route back for Ukraine.
Both teams now stand just one victory away from the World Cup:. Sweden aim to return to the global stage with momentum and Kosovo, on the other hand, are chasing a historic first-ever qualification.
Leave feedback about this