Sweden Triumphs 2-0 Over Hungary in Budapest Friendly
Sweden secured a 2-0 victory over Hungary in a friendly match, showcasing strong performances amid notable absences.
Key Points
- • Sweden defeated Hungary 2-0 despite missing key players.
- • Nygren and Ayari were the goalscorers for Sweden.
- • Elanga contributed significantly despite not scoring, hitting the crossbar.
- • The victory boosts Sweden's morale ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.
Sweden's national football team achieved a commendable 2-0 victory against Hungary in a friendly match held on June 6, 2025, at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest. This victory was notably accomplished despite the absence of several key players, including Dejan Kulusevski, Alexander Isak, and Viktor Gyökeres, as well as captain Victor Nilsson Lindelöf.
The match drew around 60,000 spectators, who witnessed Benjamin Nygren open the scoring just minutes into the second half with a well-placed shot that narrowly found the top corner, helped by a deflection off a Hungarian defender. His goal marked a continuation of his impressive performance for the national team, following his debut against Luxembourg and another goal in a subsequent match against Northern Ireland. "I have been looking forward to this," Nygren stated post-match. "I want to play for the national team, contribute, and make a difference. It’s something you dream about since you were a child," he added, reflecting his joy at scoring in front of the large crowd.
Yasin Ayari doubled the score shortly after Nygren's goal, taking advantage of an error from the Hungarian goalkeeper who failed to complete a pass to a teammate. Sweden’s goalkeeper Robin Olsen was crucial in maintaining the clean sheet, making vital saves, while Anthony Elanga had a productive game, hitting the crossbar and having a goal disallowed for offside. Elanga expressed confidence in the team’s performance, suggesting they could have won by a larger margin, stating, "We could have won 6-0."
Isak Hien, who captained the team in Lindelöf's absence, emphasized the importance of the victory: "A clean sheet and two goals scored forward felt good," he remarked. The win is a positive indicator for Sweden as they prepare for their World Cup qualifying campaign starting in September, with Elanga set to miss the next friendly against Algeria due to personal reasons.
Despite some post-match controversy surrounding Nygren's goal celebration, which drew backlash from Hungary's fans, he clarified that it was never intended to disrespect anyone, adding, "There was no intention to humiliate them."
Overall, Sweden showcased resilience and strong teamwork, laying a solid foundation for upcoming fixtures in their international campaign.