Graham Potter's Troubled Debut as Sweden Coach Ends in Heavy 4-1 Defeat to Switzerland

Sweden's national football team suffered a heavy 4-1 loss to Switzerland in Geneva, marking a difficult start for new head coach Graham Potter. The match, Potter's debut, began poorly for Sweden as Switzerland took control early, with Breel Embolo netting the opening goal in the 12th minute following a setup from Dan Ndoye. Sweden responded in the 33rd minute when Benjamin Nygren scored a half-volley, equalizing and marking the first goal Switzerland had conceded in five World Cup qualifying matches.

However, the positive momentum was short-lived. In the second half, Sweden's defender Emil Holm sustained an injury and had to be substituted. A turning point came when the referee awarded Switzerland a penalty after goalkeeper Viktor Johansson fouled Embolo. Granit Xhaka converted the penalty, giving Switzerland a 2-1 lead. Jonas Eriksson, a former FIFA referee, criticized this penalty decision as "directly incorrect," describing it as a risky call that unfairly influenced the match's outcome. He emphasized that the VAR could not overturn fundamentally incorrect decisions, contributing to the controversy.

Despite multiple substitutions by Potter, including bringing on Alexander Isak and Emil Forsberg, Sweden was unable to regain control. Switzerland extended their lead with two additional goals by Dan Ndoye and Johan Manzambi, sealing the final score at 4-1.

Team captain Isak Hien acknowledged the team's poor second-half performance but highlighted the positive spirit within the squad during training. Meanwhile, key player Mikael Lustig expressed his disappointment over Sweden's mistakes and stressed the need to avoid such errors going forward.

This defeat leaves Sweden at the bottom of their World Cup qualifying group with only one point from five matches, though they retain a chance to reach the playoffs due to their previous Nations League performance. Switzerland is poised to secure World Cup qualification, needing only to avoid a heavy loss to Kosovo in their next group stage match.

The loss continues a difficult stretch for Swedish football, following three consecutive defeats under former coach Jon Dahl Tomasson. Potter, previously managing Premier League teams like Brighton, Chelsea, and West Ham, now faces the challenge of steering Sweden back on track as the World Cup qualifiers progress.