In an extraordinary display of individual brilliance, Sweden’s Viktor Gyökeres scored an incredible four goals in his nation’s 6-0 thrashing of Azerbaijan in Tuesday’s UEFA Nations League match. The Sporting Lisbon forward’s virtuoso performance saw him overtake Manchester City’s Erling Haaland as the competition’s leading marksman.
Gyökeres Lights Up the Night in Sweden
Entering the match, Gyökeres had found the net an impressive five times in his previous five Nations League appearances. However, few could have predicted the goal-scoring clinic the 23-year-old would put on against the overmatched Azerbaijani defense.
The floodgates opened in the 58th minute when Gyökeres completed his hat-trick, taking his tally to eight goals in six Nations League games – one more than Haaland had managed for Norway. Not content with merely surpassing the Norwegian sensation, Gyökeres added a fourth for good measure shortly thereafter.
Viktor was absolutely unstoppable tonight. His movement, anticipation and finishing were world-class. It’s performances like these that show why so many top clubs are keen on securing his signature.
A source close to the Swedish national team
A Breakout Season for the Ages
Gyökeres’ exploits for Sweden come on the back of a sensational campaign for Sporting Lisbon, with the young Swede establishing himself as one of European football’s most coveted talents. His scintillating form has seen him linked with a host of elite clubs, with nine-figure transfer fees being mooted.
While the summer transfer window is still some months away, performances like the one against Azerbaijan will only intensify the bidding war for Gyökeres’ services. For now, though, the forward will be focused on firing Sweden to Nations League glory and cementing his status as one of the continent’s premier marksmen.
Ukraine Also Seal Playoff Berth
In other Nations League action, Ukraine secured their place in the League A/B playoffs with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Albania. Goals from Oleksandr Zinchenko and Roman Yaremchuk put the Ukrainians in control before Nedim Bajrami’s penalty ensured a nervy finish.
- Ukraine join Germany in qualifying for the Nations League playoffs from their group
- Zinchenko, of Arsenal, opened the scoring for Ukraine in Tirana
- Albania’s Bajrami pulled one back from the spot but Ukraine held on for the win
Germany Held by Hungary, Dzeko Bows Out
Elsewhere, a second-string Germany side were denied victory in Hungary courtesy of Dominik Szoboszlai’s last-gasp penalty. Bayern Munich tyro Felix Nmecha had fired the Germans ahead but Szoboszlai’s spot-kick ensured the spoils were shared in Budapest.
Meanwhile, Bosnian legend Edin Dzeko brought the curtain down on his glittering international career as his side drew 1-1 with the Netherlands. Brian Brobbey had the Dutch ahead but Ermedin Demirovic leveled for the hosts to give Dzeko a fitting send-off.
As the Nations League group stage reaches its conclusion, the picture is becoming clearer as to which nations will be vying for the title in the playoffs. However, if Tuesday night is anything to go by, predicting a winner may be a fool’s errand in a competition where the unexpected has become the norm.
