Frustrated Newcastle United star slams system after World Cup qualification defeat

Sweden’s fading hopes of reaching the World Cup 2026 took another heavy blow after a 1-0 defeat to Kosovo in Stockholm and has left the 2018 quarter-finalists rooted to the bottom of Group B.

Fisnik Asllani struck in the first half to hand Kosovo their second victory over Sweden in the campaign and that result has severely dented the Scandinavian side’s already weak qualification chances.

Sweden, who have collected just one point so far fielded Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres in attack but both struggled to convert opportunities in a match that deeply frustrated the highly talented Swedish side.

Isak, now at Liverpool following his high-profile £125m [$165m] transfer from Newcastle United played the full 90 minutes for the second straight match but was unable to influence proceedings.

The result come after a 2-0 loss to Switzerland leaving head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson under growing pressure.

Elanga makes an outburst after the Kosovo clashAnthony Elanga, who left Nottingham Forest for Newcastle United in July was once again among the substitutes for Sweden and entered the match in the second half to replace Lucas Bergvall.

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According to Radiosporten relayed by Fotbollskanalen, Elanga reacted furiously after the defeat and was heard saying “this system has to go,”.

When asked about the 3-5-2 setup after the match, Elanga said, “When you are on the field as a football player, it can look different. We on the field have to take responsibility and unfortunately it didn’t work today.”

Tomasson, informed of the comments in his post-match press conference, responded by saying, “I haven’t heard what Anthony has said so I can’t comment on it.”

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