Sweden 0-2 Switzerland Player Ratings: Xhaka Rated 8.5/10 as His Penalty Seals Dominant 2-0 Victory

Even with strikers like Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak, the Sweden National Football Team couldn’t score a single goal and lost 2–0 to Switzerland showing how poor their attack was. Switzerland arrived at the Strawberry Arena with a clear plan and executed it with ruthless efficiency against a dull Sweden side. The final 2-0 scoreline in this European Qualifier fixture honestly felt like it could have been more.

The Swiss were on the front foot from the very beginning.

The turning point, as we saw it, was the clumsy penalty conceded by Swedish player Alexander Bernhardsson in the 63rd minute. Sportsdunia's player of the match Granit Xhaka stepped up and made no mistake. Sweden struggled, but a late counter-attack goal from substitute Johan Manzambi sealed the deal, confirming a dominant performance for the visitors in this match.

Here is Sweden Vs Switzerland Player Ratings

Sweden Player Ratings vs Switzerland

Here are Sweden Player Ratings vs Switzerland

Goalkeeper

Viktor Johansson - 6.5: He was kept very busy throughout the match, making four saves. What stood out to us was his crucial save from a Dan Ndoye effort. However, he was also responsible for an error that led to a shot. He couldn't do much about the penalty but was a commanding presence overall in a losing effort.

Defenders

Isak Hien - 7.0: A really solid performance from the central defender, a bright spot in a poor team showing. He was immense, winning 7 duels and making 3 crucial blocked shots. From our perspective, he read the game well with 3 interceptions and looked composed even under immense pressure. He did everything he could to stem the Swiss tide.

Gabriel Gudmundsson - 6.0: It was a mixed bag for the left-back. We noticed his high pass accuracy and willingness to get forward. However, losing possession 15 times is just too much at this level. He battled hard but was often caught between attacking and defending, leaving spaces behind him.

Gustaf Lagerbielke - 6.0: A decent outing for the defender, who was strong in the air, winning most of his aerial duels. His passing was impressively accurate at 90%. Unfortunately, his performance will be remembered for the late yellow card and being part of a defense that conceded twice. He was solid, but not spectacular.

Midfielders

Jesper Karlström - 5.5: He looked a bit overwhelmed in the midfield battle. We noticed he struggled to get a foothold in the game, losing 5 of his 9 duels. He worked hard but was ultimately chasing shadows against the Swiss midfield. It was no surprise to see him substituted after the penalty.

Lucas Bergvall - 6.5: A flash of what could be for the young midfielder. He created a huge chance and wasn't afraid to shoot, though his efforts were off target. What stood out to us was his positive intent, but he missed a big chance that could have changed the game. A learning experience for him.

Ken Sema - 6.0: He had a quiet game on the flank. He was neat and tidy in possession but failed to provide the creative spark Sweden desperately needed. From our perspective, he just didn't get involved enough before being substituted. A forgettable performance, really.

Yasin Ayari - 6.0: A busy but ultimately ineffective performance. He recovered the ball an impressive 8 times, showing his defensive work rate. However, going forward, he offered very little, creating only one chance. We needed to see more from him in the final third.

Alexander Bernhardsson - 4.5: It was a disastrous night for the midfielder. The game completely turned after he conceded the penalty with a clumsy foul. Beyond that massive error, he lost possession 17 times and looked off the pace. A performance he will want to forget immediately.

Forwards

Alexander Isak - 6.0: A deeply frustrating night for the captain. He was starved of service and looked isolated for most of the game. His only notable contribution was a shot that struck the woodwork. From our perspective, he looked visibly annoyed with the lack of support around him.

Viktor Gyökeres - 7.0: He was Sweden's most dangerous player by a country mile. He was a real handful for the Swiss defense, creating two key passes and always looking to run in behind. What stood out was his strength and hold-up play, but even he couldn't drag his team to a result. He deserved better.

Substitutes

Anton Salétros, Emil Holm, Daniel Svensson, Roony Bardghji: The substitutes were brought on to try and change the game but had little to no impact. The Swiss control was too strong for them to make a difference.

Manager

J. Dahl Tomasson - 5.0: His team was thoroughly outplayed and out-thought. From our perspective, the tactics seemed wrong, as Sweden were passive and reactive. They failed to control the midfield and created very few clear chances, a worrying sign for the manager.

Switzerland Player Ratings vs Sweden

Here are Switzerland Player Ratings vs Sweden

Goalkeeper

Gregor Kobel - 6.5: Had one of the quietest nights of his career. Sweden barely tested him, and he was a spectator for large parts of the game. He made the saves he had to make with ease. A clean sheet is a clean sheet, but he was rarely called into serious action.

Defenders

Silvan Widmer - 6.5: A typically solid and reliable performance from the right-back. He defended well and supported the attack when needed. He didn't do anything spectacular, but he didn't put a foot wrong either. A professional display before being substituted.

Nico Elvedi - 7.0: Commanded the backline with authority. We were impressed by his 7 clearances and his calm distribution from the back. He completely nullified the threat of Sweden's attack for most of the match. A very strong and composed defensive showing.

Manuel Akanji - 7.0: He looked a class act. His 91% pass accuracy shows how comfortable he was on the ball, often starting attacks from deep. Defensively, he was a rock, making 3 interceptions and winning most of his duels. The yellow card was the only blemish on an otherwise excellent performance.

Ricardo Rodríguez - 7.5: An outstanding performance from the left-back. He was a constant threat going forward, creating two chances, including one big one. His delivery from wide areas was a major weapon. Defensively, he was sound, contributing to a well-earned clean sheet.

Midfielders

Remo Freuler - 8.0: An absolutely dominant midfield display. What stood out to us was that he won 100% of his duels, a truly remarkable stat. His passing was near-perfect, and he capped off his performance with an assist for the second goal. A complete and flawless midfield general.

Granit Xhaka - 8.5: Man of the Match, without a doubt. He ran the game from start to finish, with a staggering 121 touches. He dictated the tempo, created three chances, and showed nerves of steel to score the crucial opening goal from the penalty spot. A true captain's performance and the highest-rated player on the pitch.

Fabian Rieder - 7.5: He only played for 59 minutes, but his impact was immense. He was the creative hub for Switzerland, creating three chances and unlocking the Swedish defense multiple times. We were personally disappointed to see him subbed off, as he was a joy to watch.

Forwards

Breel Embolo - 6.0: A night of 'what ifs' for the striker. He was a physical menace, winning 9 duels, but his finishing was wayward. He hit the crossbar and missed two big chances that should have been buried. His work rate was phenomenal, but he'll be frustrated not to have scored.

Dan Ndoye - 7.0: A real livewire on the wing. His pace and dribbling caused problems for the Swedish defense all game. He was a constant outlet on the counter-attack and worked tirelessly for the team. His final product could improve, but he was a key part of their attacking threat.

Rubén Vargas - 7.0: He was heavily involved in Switzerland's best moments. He created two chances and was always looking to get on the ball in dangerous areas. A tricky and intelligent player who put in a great shift for the team. A very effective performance.

Substitutes

Djibril Sow: Made a game-changing impact by winning the penalty shortly after coming on. Johan Manzambi: Scored the goal that sealed the victory with a composed finish on the break. Excellent contributions from the bench.

Manager

M. Yakin - 7.5: He got his tactics spot on. His team controlled the game, looked dangerous in attack, and solid at the back. His substitutions were perfect, with both Sow and Manzambi making decisive contributions. A very impressive coaching performance.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match is Granit Xhaka