'Cheap' Swedish defence gives Potter headaches as Ali silences doubters

A top-class forward pairing getting minutes together, a recovery from an early setback, a potential breakout star playing a big role in the goal to take the lead, and a victory. Sweden had all the ingredients for a positive World Cup send-off in front of their home supporters.

However, that was ruined in the 95th minute when Georgios Masouras converted Charalampos Kostoulas's cross to give Greece a 2-2 draw, and suddenly the mood around Potter's team became sour.

His side has conceded five times in its two warm-up matches and 13 times in Potter's six matches in charge so far, without keeping a clean sheet. Defensive solidity has been a problem since before the Englishman took charge. A 2-0 friendly win over Hungary a year ago tomorrow (6th June) is the last time Sweden went 90 minutes without conceding.

"We must improve there, it's too cheap," Potter said of his defence. "We can discuss tactics all day, but if we give the ball away like we did today, the opponents get dangerous chances."

The back line was without captain Victor Lindelof, who is expected to return directly for the side's opening World Cup match against Tunisia on 15th June. The Aston Villa player's position may be secure, but Potter indicated there are still opportunities to break into his team before the tournament.

"I have many positions in mind, but there is still time and space. We have over a week of training until the opener. It is a balance between having a competitive environment and, at the same time, needing stability."

Ali answers the critics

There were doubts about the inclusion of Taha Ali in the 26-man squad ahead of the likes of LaLiga pair Williot Swedberg and Roony Bardghji. The Malmo winger's only previous cap came in a January 2024 friendly against Estonia, and he was not used when recalled to the squad for the play-offs.

However, within minutes of coming off the bench, Ali answered many of those questions with a mazy, speedy dribble down the left wing before cutting the ball across for Gustaf Nilsson to tap in and put Sweden 2-1 ahead, after a free-kick from birthday boy Viktor Gyokeres had cancelled out Kostas Tsimikas's opener.

"I was in shock, not because of what he did, because we have seen that before and we have seen it in training. But it was very impressive to see such a performance," said Alexander Isak, who was one of nine players to come off just after the hour mark. "It's as if he has been with us for years. We were very excited on the bench," he continued.

"Incredible substitute appearance. He brings something that few other players do," added the head coach, who would not be drawn on whether the 27-year-old had done enough to start against Tunisia.

As for Ali, who spoke exclusively to Flashscore about his World Cup ambitions back in April, last night was all about showing Potter that he can be relied upon.

"I wanted to build trust with the coach so that he knows what he is getting from me. It is clear what kind of player I am. I just want to do my thing," said the Allsvenskan player.

Elanga given all-clear after hospital visit

In a physical encounter with the former European champions, Gyokeres, Benjamin Nygren and Anthony Elanga all sustained knocks, but fortunately, there are no serious injury concerns for Blagult before they board the plane.

Elanga was taken to hospital as a precaution, but scans showed no damage. "It was knee-to-knee with one of their players. But I am not worried. I have been tested and it feels good. Of course you get worried, but it feels good," he told the media.

For Nygren, there was a more basic check. "I can walk, move and stand on one leg and all that. It feels okay," he said.