Viktor Gyokeres is holding Sweden's slim hopes on his shoulders.

VALENCIA, THURSDAY - Two things have been very rare in the past year: a victory for the Swedish national team and a goal for striker Viktor Gyokeres. Amidst all the doubts, Sweden has managed to advance smoothly to the 2026 World Cup playoffs. Gyokeres' hat trick changed everything.

Sweden's victory came at a crucial time, when they were on the brink of elimination. Graham Potter's team defeated Ukraine 3-1 in the semifinals of the European qualifying playoff Path B at the Ciudad de Valencia Stadium in Spain on Friday (March 27, 2026) early morning WIB.

Sweden has finally ended their winless streak throughout the qualification, which lasted for six consecutive matches (2 draws, 4 losses). This was all thanks to the contribution of Gyokeres, the Arsenal club striker who scored again for the national team after last doing so in November 2024.

"We did everything we could to score, but their quick goal was very painful. Viktor made a difference tonight. He showed his quality and proved that he is one of the best strikers in Europe," said Ukraine's Coach Serhiy Rebrov.

Gyokeres showed a strong reaction in Valencia. The striker arrived at this international break after failing to lead Arsenal to victory in the English League Cup final last weekend. He has also not scored after playing for six hours in the World Cup qualifying group stage.

Gyokeres needed only six minutes to prove himself. He put Sweden ahead early in the first half with a sharp instinct in the penalty area. The 27-year-old forward capitalized on a cross from attacking midfielder Benjamin Nygren after successfully separating himself to the far post.

Gyokeres is Sweden's mainstay in this playoff. His attacking partner, Alexander Isak, is unable to rejoin the national team due to injury. He is joined by Newcastle United winger Anthony Elanga in a 4-4-2 attacking duo.

In the second half, it was Gyokeres' turn to showcase his quality in ball handling. He doubled the lead through a dribbling action, deceiving defender Valerii Bondar, which culminated in a precise shot to the far post. The striker appeared too fast and strong for the opposing team's defense.

The team's attitude was fantastic against top-class opponents. We fought together. It was great.

His brilliant performance was capped off with a hat-trick with a penalty in the 73rd minute. The goal wasn't from open play, but Gyokeres converted the penalty himself. He drove into the box in a transitional situation and was brought down by goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.

Gyokeres' hat trick gave Sweden a 3-0 lead. Ukraine responded with a consolation goal in injury time from substitute Matvii Ponomarenko, but it was too late. Sweden advanced to the final qualifying match to face another dark horse, Poland.

"This is a significant step for the team. The team's attitude is remarkable against a top-class opponent. We fought together. It was great. Viktor was also outstanding. He worked hard for the team, acting as our first line of defense. This balanced our attack and defense," said Potter.

Potter's attention was focused on the team's defensive performance, rather than the attack or the three goals scored by Gyokeres. This is quite justified. They were able to maintain their chances of winning due to significant improvements in the back line. Meanwhile, Sweden has conceded 12 goals during the group stage due to extremely poor defense.

Sweden's defense is no longer as chaotic as during Potter's debut last November, when they were embarrassed by Switzerland, 1-4. Led by veteran defender Victor Lindelof, their defense has been very disciplined from the first minute. They do not hesitate to play with an extra low defensive block.

Ukraine was left frustrated due to difficulties in breaking through the opponent's stack of players in the final third. In the first half, Ilya Zabarnyi and his teammates could only manage two shots despite having 72 percent possession. Sweden played patiently, then aimed for quick counterattacks.

Potter is not afraid of losing his edge in the attacking line even while playing defensively because Sweden has a Gyokeres. The striker is left alone at the forefront in a structure without team ball possession. When a transition situation arises, he becomes Sweden's main executor.

Since shining at the Portuguese club Sporting CP, Gyokeres has always been dangerous in counter-attack situations. He is able to exploit opposing defenders with his running speed and physical strength. This advantage has not been fully utilized at Arsenal, which has led to his recent lack of prominence.

The determination of tickets to the World Cup will take place at Sweden's home ground, Strawberry Arena, next Wednesday. The match will feature two world-class strikers, Gyokeres and Robert Lewandowski. Lewandowski also contributed a goal in Poland's 2-1 victory over Albania in the semifinals.

"We are looking forward to an extraordinary night and a fantastic atmosphere. Poland will be a tough opponent, and we know they are a very dangerous team. We need to focus on our own game, and it will be a challenge to prepare ourselves well," said Potter. (AP/REUTERS)