Sweden head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson hailed his side’s spirited performance following their dramatic 4-3 win over Algeria, describing the encounter as “a very good match against a very good team” during a post-match press conference.
In a game that defied the usual rhythms of a friendly, Sweden stunned the African champions with a vibrant attacking display, capitalising on a dominant first half and resisting a late Algerian surge.
Tomasson, visibly pleased with his youthful squad’s execution, reserved high praise for their opponents as well.
“A very good match against a very good team that has won everything in Africa,” he said, acknowledging Algeria’s stature on the continent. “We weren’t expecting to score so many goals, especially since we have a young team with few caps.”
Sweden entered the match with a significantly rotated squad, missing prominent names such as Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres and Anthony Elanga.
But the absence of seasoned stars did little to blunt their effectiveness.
The Scandinavian side played with pace, structure, and intent, showcasing the depth of their emerging talent pool.
Central to their success was Ken Sema, who delivered a standout performance with a hat-trick, guiding the hosts to an early lead.
Tomasson’s pressing tactics and direct style paid dividends, particularly in the first 45 minutes, as Algeria struggled to settle into the game under relentless pressure.
Despite the commanding start, the Swedes faced a stern test in the second half.
A resurgent Algeria, galvanized by coach Vladimir Petkovic’s early substitutions, mounted a powerful comeback.
As the momentum shifted, the match grew increasingly tense, with the Fennecs clawing back goals and threatening to overturn the deficit entirely.
Still, Sweden held their nerve. While Tomasson admitted the closing stages were challenging, he remained proud of how his squad responded under pressure.
“We weren’t expecting this kind of match, but I’m happy with how we adapted,” he noted.
The contest, rich in attacking quality and tactical shifts, offered plenty for both managers to dissect.
For Sweden, it reinforced belief in a new generation; for Algeria, it exposed early vulnerabilities under Petkovic while offering hope through their second-half fightback.
In what was intended as a test of depth and rhythm during the international break, both teams delivered far more — a match of substance, character, and lessons for the future.
