Sweden’s bid to reach next summer’s World Cup is now in serious jeopardy after a stunning 1-0 loss to Kosovo on Monday.
The defeat sent shockwaves through the Swedish camp, ultimately leading to the immediate dismissal of manager Jon Dahl Tomasson.
Once celebrated for his playing career at AC Milan and Feyenoord, and former manager of Blackburn, Tomasson struggled to translate his experience into consistent results on the national stage.
Tomasson’s Short and Uneven Tenure
Tomasson, 49, leaves after winning just nine of 18 matches in charge of Sweden.
The loss to Kosovo left the Scandinavian side at the bottom of their four-team qualifying group, winless in four matches, and under mounting pressure from both fans and players.
The situation even sparked unrest within the squad, highlighting cracks in morale.
Player Frustration Boils Over
According to local outlet Radiosporten, Newcastle United star Anthony Elanga, who was omitted from both of Sweden’s qualifiers this week, expressed his frustration immediately after the game.
In the tunnel, he reportedly exclaimed, “The damn system must go.” His sentiments capture the growing impatience and discontent inside the Swedish camp.
Federation Confirms Immediate Dismissal
On Tuesday, the Swedish Football Association (SvFF) confirmed Tomasson had been relieved of his duties. SvFF chairman Simon Astrom explained:
“The decision taken by the Swedish Football Association is based on the fact that the men’s national team has not delivered the results we hoped for.
There is still a chance for a playoff in March and our responsibility is to ensure that we have the best possible conditions to be able to reach a World Cup final.
In this regard, we believe that new leadership is required.”
Talent on Paper, Struggles on the Pitch
Despite not being considered a European powerhouse, Sweden boasts an impressive roster featuring Premier League talents and a striking duo—Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres—valued at nearly £200 million collectively.
Yet the team has struggled to turn promise into points, scoring just twice while conceding seven in their first four qualifying matches.
Kosovo’s first-half goal from Fisnik Asllani sealed the win and marked a historic double over Sweden, leaving the visitors sitting second in the group.
Dressing Room Tensions Rise
In the aftermath, tensions within the squad reportedly soared.
SportBladet suggested that several players had begun to lose faith in Tomasson’s approach.
Following his emotional outburst, Elanga addressed the media, saying:
“We have worked on a system, on how we are going to play. Then it may look a little different when you are on the field.
It is also us who are on the field who have to take responsibility.”
Questionable Tactical Decisions Spark Debate
Confusion over Tomasson’s methods also added to unrest.
In a controversial move, he revealed the starting eleven just one hour before kickoff, aiming to prevent leaks to the press.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Lucas Bergvall questioned this tactic, noting that while it might not affect him personally, it could unsettle other players.
Bergvall was substituted at halftime in the Kosovo match, a decision he confirmed was tactical.
Sweden’s Road Ahead: Playoffs Likely
With automatic qualification now out of reach, Sweden will have to rely on a playoff spot, likely secured thanks to their Nations League group win, provided other group winners also qualify through different paths.
They face Switzerland and Slovenia in their remaining fixtures next month.
Kim Kallstrom, head of the Swedish federation, added in the dismissal statement:
“We have a group of players that we believe in very much and want to create new opportunities for them to deliver.
We have faith that this team can make it to the World Cup if the chance for the playoffs is there in March.
Jon has been professional in his relationship with the players, the leaders in the national team staff and with SvFF.
It is always sad to go our separate ways, but football is results-based and we have reached a point where results are not enough.”
Looking Forward
As Sweden braces for a managerial reshuffle, the clock is ticking.
With only a playoff path remaining, the national team must find new leadership and rediscover cohesion if they are to keep their World Cup dreams alive.