Sweden Beat Poland 3-1 to Maintain Nations League Promotion Push

Sweden made it two wins from two under Graham Potter with a 3-1 Nations League victory over Poland, preserving top spot in the group and strengthening their promotion position. Benjamin Nygren, Yasin Ayari and Viktor Gyokeres scored for the hosts, who recovered quickly after Poland had drawn level before half-time.

What changed for Sweden

Nygren gave Sweden an early advantage in the eighth minute, heading in after Victor Lindelof prevented a corner from running out of play. Poland stayed competitive during the opening period and equalised shortly before the break when Sebastian Szymanski finished a move created by Nicola Zalewski’s work on the flank.

Potter’s side took firmer control after the interval. Ayari put Sweden back ahead before Gyokeres added the third with a composed finish, his second goal in three days for the national team.

With Alexander Isak unavailable through injury, Gyokeres has assumed a leading role in Sweden’s attack during this camp. He said the second-half display had reflected the eventual result.

“We took over completely after the break and deserved to win,” Gyokeres said. “It felt very good for me in the second half, and it was enjoyable to score again.”

The striker finished the match with visible damage to both big toes, with bloodstains showing through his white socks after the final whistle. Asked whether he had been stepped on twice, he played down the issue.

“That can happen sometimes,” he said. “We won and I scored, so there is no need for me to make anything of it.”

Competition context

Sweden began their Nations League campaign with a win against Romania and now have six points after beating Poland. The result leaves them at the summit of the standings and in a strong position in the promotion race.

• Benjamin Nygren opened the scoring in the eighth minute.
• Sebastian Szymanski levelled for Poland before the interval.
• Yasin Ayari restored Sweden’s lead in the second half.
• Viktor Gyokeres completed the 3-1 win.

The contributions of Nygren and Ayari have added younger options to a group also featuring established internationals such as Lindelof and Gyokeres. Sweden’s second-half control against Poland underlined the depth available to Potter as the campaign continues.

What is scheduled next

Sweden will travel to face Bosnia and Herzegovina in their next match. Gyokeres is expected to remain central to the attacking plans while Isak is injured, with the forward set for further responsibility across the next two fixtures.

“The schedule is tight, but recovery is important and then we have to be ready for the next game,” Gyokeres said. “Matches are enjoyable, so there is nothing to complain about.”