The UEFA Nations League clash between Azerbaijan and Sweden took place at the Tofiq Bähramov Stadium in Baku, as both teams kicked off their 2024 campaign. Azerbaijan, coached by Fernando Santos, hoped to make a strong start in Group C1, while Sweden, under Jon Dahl Tomasson, sought to dominate and secure valuable points. The match promised excitement with star players like Alexander Isak for Sweden and Renat Dadaşov for Azerbaijan at the forefront.
Azerbaijan vs Sweden Head-to-Head
Historically, Sweden had the upper hand in this fixture, having won four of their last five encounters. Azerbaijan had only managed one victory, and they were looking to close the gap in this match. However, with Sweden boasting a superior goal record of 12 compared to Azerbaijan’s four, the visitors entered as the favorites.
Azerbaijan vs Sweden Lineups
Here is the Azerbaijan vs Sweden lineups today (Sep 5, 2024)
Azerbaijan (Coach: Fernando Santos):
- GK: Dzhenetov
- DEF: Jafarguliyev, Mustafazade, B. Hüseynov, A. Hüseynov
- MID: Makhmudov (C), Isaev, Diniyev, T. Bayramov
- FOR: Dadaşov, Sheydaev
Substitutes: Azerbaijan, Jafarov (GK), Imanov (GK), Seydiyev, Aliyev, Mustafaiev, Kökcü, R. Mammadov, Akmedzade, Jamalov, Nuriyev, Akhundzade, Nacafov
Sweden (Coach: Jon Dahl Tomasson):
- GK: Johansson
- DEF: Douglas, Wahlqvist, Hien, Augustinsson
- MID: Svanberg, Ayari, Kulusevski (C)
- FOR: Isak, Elanga, Gyökeres
Substitutes: Zetterström (GK), Nordfeldt (GK), Kurtulus, Bergvall, Cajuste, Nilsson, Sema, Salétros, Starfelt, Eliasson, Larsson, Nanasi
Azerbaijan vs Sweden First Half
The game began with Azerbaijan taking the initiative, but Sweden’s defense held firm. The first major incident came just before halftime, when Ramil Sheydaev of Azerbaijan won a penalty in the 45+7th minute. Sheydaev stepped up but missed, as Sweden’s goalkeeper Johansson made an outstanding save to deny him.
Both teams went into halftime with the score tied 0-0, but Azerbaijan would have been disappointed not to have capitalized on the penalty opportunity.
Azerbaijan vs Sweden Second Half
Sweden came out stronger in the second half, making tactical changes that paid off immediately. Anthony Elanga was replaced by Ken Sema, bringing fresh energy to Sweden’s midfield. The breakthrough came in the 65th minute when Alexander Isak latched onto a precise pass from Viktor Gyökeres and slotted the ball past Dzhenetov to give Sweden a 1-0 lead.
Just six minutes later, Isak struck again with another goal after a well-orchestrated counter-attack, making it 2-0. Azerbaijan seemed rattled, and the introduction of substitutes did little to stop Sweden’s momentum.
In the 80th minute, Viktor Gyökeres converted a penalty after Dzhenetov fouled Isak in the box, further increasing Sweden’s lead to 3-0. Despite a late surge from Azerbaijan, Renat Dadaşov scored a consolation goal in the 82nd minute, assisted by T. Bayramov, making it 3-1.
Azerbaijan vs Sweden Full Time
Sweden comfortably saw out the match, securing a vital 3-1 victory. Azerbaijan fought hard but lacked the clinical edge, particularly missing their crucial first-half penalty. The final whistle confirmed Sweden’s dominance, and they started their Nations League campaign with three points.
Azerbaijan vs Sweden Stats
- Possession: Azerbaijan 42% – 58% Sweden
- Total Attempts: Azerbaijan 14 – 30 Sweden
- Attempts on Target: Azerbaijan 8 – 9 Sweden
- Corners: Azerbaijan 2 – 8 Sweden
- Passing Accuracy: Azerbaijan 77% – 87% Sweden
- Fouls Committed: Azerbaijan 4 – 20 Sweden
Azerbaijan vs Sweden Timeline
- 45+7’: Ramil Sheydaev (Azerbaijan) misses a penalty.
- 46’: Substitution – Ken Sema on for Anthony Elanga (Sweden).
- 49’: Renat Dadaşov (Azerbaijan) booked for a foul.
- 65’: GOAL! Alexander Isak (Sweden) scores, assisted by Gyökeres. 1-0 Sweden.
- 71’: GOAL! Alexander Isak (Sweden) scores again. 2-0 Sweden.
- 80’: GOAL! Viktor Gyökeres (Sweden) converts a penalty after a foul on Isak. 3-0 Sweden.
- 82’: GOAL! Renat Dadaşov (Azerbaijan) scores, assisted by T. Bayramov. 3-1 Sweden.
- 90+1’: Anton Salétros (Sweden) receives a yellow card for a foul.
Azerbaijan vs Sweden Impact on Points Table
Sweden’s victory secured them a strong start in Group C1 of the UEFA Nations League. They earned three points, while Azerbaijan found themselves at the bottom of the group after their opening loss. Sweden’s superior goal difference (+2) also put them in a favorable position for the remaining fixtures.
Azerbaijan vs Sweden Man of the Match
Alexander Isak was the standout performer, scoring twice and being a constant threat to Azerbaijan’s defense. His two goals in quick succession effectively sealed the victory for Sweden.
Sweden’s commanding 3-1 win over Azerbaijan set the tone for their Nations League campaign. While Azerbaijan showed promise, particularly in the first half, their missed penalty proved costly. Sweden’s experience and tactical adjustments in the second half made the difference, with Isak and Gyökeres proving too much for the hosts.
