Overview

• Sweden rebounded from a surprising loss to Luxembourg with a commanding 5-1 victory over Northern Ireland in Stockholm.
• Alexander Isak played a pivotal role, scoring one goal and assisting another, showcasing his Premier League form.
• Northern Ireland fielded a youthful squad with eight players aged 21 or under, including two debutants, as part of a developmental strategy.
• Sweden capitalized on their chances, scoring five goals from six shots on target, while Northern Ireland struggled to convert opportunities.
• Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill emphasized the importance of exposing young players to high-level competition, with friendlies against Iceland and Denmark scheduled before September's World Cup qualifiers.