Yasin Ayari chose not to celebrate scoring seven minutes into his World Cup debut, handing Sweden their first goal in a 5-1 rout of Tunisia.
After Viktor Gyokeres’ attempt was saved off the line, the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder picked up the ball 25 yards away and slammed the bouncing ball home to put Sweden ahead.
But as his teammates surrounded him, Ayari raised his hands in an almost contrite manner. He didn’t celebrate because he respected his family; his father, Azzouz, is from Tunisia.
Although he was not displaying much emotion on the outside, it was obviously a memorable occasion for the 22-year-old, who turned down the opportunity to represent the North African team, something his father had encouraged.
Ayari remarked, “It’s incredible, a feeling you can’t describe,” following the match.You’ve had many dreams, but this is something you never would have imagined. Playing against Tunisia, a country I deeply support, was incredibly emotional.
Ayari gave himself permission to celebrate his second goal, which was the game’s last kick. It was another beautiful goal from outside the box, and it effectively bookended the Swedish performance in Monterrey, silencing many of the team’s skeptics.
“The entire group came together and believed in us when no one else did,” Ayari remarked.
Isak feels glad to have a role.
The two standout strikers who began up front for Graham Potter’s team, Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres, each scored one goal in between the Ayari goals.
After wrestling control back high up the pitch, Isak scored a fantastic solo goal, cutting in from the left wing to make it 2-0. Gyokeres’ goal then made it 3-1.
The Liverpool striker is well aware of the demands placed on him and the Arsenal player, but like everyone else, Isak’s top priority is to contribute to the club.
“Gyokeres and I are meant to be the difference. We are expected to counter, perform to the best of our abilities, and then take a little break. It doesn’t mean that we have to play a certain way or anything when we play together. Our contribution to the team is what matters most.
Isak stated that the World Cup is a different level and that getting off to such a good start cannot be taken for granted, even if he and many of his teammates have experience at the top level of club football.
“This endeavor is very important. Since we’re playing for Sweden and our nation, it’s a different atmosphere here. It feels amazing. A lot of us are making our World Cup debuts, so it’s kind of surreal to be able to do so.”
When Sweden plays the Netherlands on June 20 at 19:00 CEST, they will be looking to build on their strong start.
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