Sweden drew 2-2 with Slovenia as Alexander Isak remained on the bench. Scotland secured a 0-0 draw against Denmark. Croatia edged Faroe Islands 1-0, maintaining their winning streak in World Cup qualifiers. Key stats highlight Croatia’s attacking intent and Slovenia’s consistent scoring.
World Cup qualifying served up a dramatic night of action as Sweden were held to a 2-2 draw by Slovenia, while Scotland battled to a 0-0 stalemate against Denmark in Copenhagen. Alexander Isak, the highly anticipated Liverpool signing, remained an unused substitute for Sweden, adding intrigue to their disappointing result.
Isak's absence was notable given his high-profile £125 million move from Newcastle United to Liverpool on deadline day. Despite the hefty price tag and the excitement surrounding his arrival at Anfield, coach Jon Dahl Tomasson opted to keep him on the bench throughout the match against Slovenia. This decision left many questioning the team's tactics as they struggled to secure a win.
The match in Ljubljana saw Sweden take the lead twice, only to be pegged back on both occasions. Anthony Elanga, showing glimpses of his potential, opened the scoring in the 18th minute, but Sandi Lovric quickly equalized for the home side. Yasin Ayari then restored Sweden's advantage in the 73rd minute, seemingly putting them on course for victory. However, Zan Vipotnik's late goal in the final minute of normal time shattered Sweden's hopes, leaving them with a single point from their opening Group B fixture.
Matchen slutar 2-2 i Slovenien! pic.twitter.com/Atc0WR0T8x
— Svensk Fotboll (@svenskfotboll) September 5, 2025
In other Group B action, Croatia narrowly defeated Faroe Islands 1-0, courtesy of a goal from Andrej Kramaric. While the victory maintained Croatia's perfect record in Group L, the performance was far from convincing against a weaker opponent. Croatia's dominance in possession and numerous attempts on goal didn't translate into a comfortable scoreline, raising concerns about their efficiency in front of goal.
Croatia, despite their unconvincing win, still trails group leaders Czechia by three points, although they have two games in hand, offering them a chance to close the gap and secure their place at the top of the group.
Meanwhile, in Group C, Scotland earned a valuable point in a 0-0 draw against Denmark in Copenhagen. The result is a significant boost for Steve Clarke's side as they aim for at least a second-placed finish and a potential play-off spot. The Scots displayed resilience and tactical discipline to contain the Danish attack and secure a hard-fought draw on the road. Greece currently leads Group C after a resounding 5-1 victory over Belarus.
Data Debrief: Croatia's Winning Mentality and Slovenia's Scoring Streak
Despite their narrow victory, Croatia showcased their attacking intent with a staggering 26 shots against the Faroe Islands, although only eight were on target. This underlines their dominance in the game but also highlights the need for improved finishing.
Croatia's victory marks their fifth consecutive win in World Cup qualifiers, their longest winning streak in the competition since records began in 2010. This statistic emphasizes their consistency and determination to secure a place in the World Cup finals.
Slovenia, on the other hand, has found the net in their last five World Cup qualifiers, their longest scoring run since a streak of eight games between August 2009 and October 2016. This demonstrates their attacking threat and ability to find the back of the net, even against stronger opposition.
The World Cup qualifying matches provided plenty of drama and talking points, with unexpected results and standout performances shaping the landscape of the various groups. As the campaign progresses, each match will become increasingly crucial in determining which teams will secure their place at the world's biggest football tournament.