Sweden thrash Tunisia 5-1 to take command of World Cup group

Sweden produced a commanding performance to thrash Tunisia 5-1 on Sunday, shattering the North African side's renowned defensive record and taking early control of World Cup Group F.

Graham Potter's team went ahead in the seventh minute in Guadalupe when Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box after Tunisia failed to clear their lines. Despite the spectacular goal, Ayari — who has Moroccan and Tunisian roots — kept his celebration subdued.

Sweden doubled their advantage after 30 minutes through Alexander Isak. The Liverpool forward burst down the left flank, cut inside and fired a shot that goalkeeper Mouhib Chamakh could only partially stop before it crossed the line.

Tunisia arrived at the tournament with an impressive defensive record, having become the first team to complete World Cup qualifying without conceding a goal — a feat later matched by Ivory Coast and England.

Although Sweden looked capable of running away with the match, Tunisia pulled one back shortly before halftime when Omar Rekik headed in a dangerous cross from Hannibal Mejbri.

Any hopes of a comeback were dashed in the 59th minute as another Tunisian defensive error proved costly. Ellyes Skhiri lost possession near the edge of the area to Isak, who quickly set up Viktor Gyokeres to make it 3-1.

Substitute Mattias Svanberg added a fourth goal late in the game after a VAR review confirmed he was onside, before Ayari capped an outstanding display with another stunning long-range effort in stoppage time.

Sweden, quarter-finalists at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, missed out on qualification for Qatar 2022 but have made a strong start to their latest campaign.

Tunisia, meanwhile, remain in search of a first appearance in the knockout stage despite making history as the first African nation to win a World Cup match, defeating Mexico in 1978.

Earlier in Group F, Japan struck late to secure a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands.