Published 22.10
HOUSTON. Alexander Isak, 26, pressed in vain in the first half against the Netherlands.
The ball went out to the opponents’ right-back anyway.
– If he stands all alone, it is useless, says Isak.
Alexander Isak and his attacking teammates managed to create a handful of chances in the 1–5 loss to the Netherlands. But they did not have such an easy task when defending.
– It was a tough match picture. If you lose 5–1, you are not satisfied, says Isak.
Sweden’s had no bite in the press game at the beginning of the match and the problems were not corrected until there was a water break in the middle of the first half. Before that, Netherlands right-back Denzel Dumfries, who made two assists in the game, had a free lane on the edge.
– There was nothing that surprised us, but it is clear that their right-back got far too much time and space. If he is all alone, it is useless to press, so it was difficult for all of us to take a man without dropping to the back. It was frustrating that we had to concede two goals before we managed to adjust it, says Alexander Isak.
“Slam in the new”
When Sweden switched from five to four back line and Isak was moved out to the left, Sweden managed to defend better.
– You get hit in the bud and have to change plans. We switched to a four-back line and let Alex drop to the left. We were good after the break, but you have to score goals. We didn’t do that, says Sweden’s national team captain Graham Potter.
Netherlands team captain Virgil van Dijk noticed that Sweden played better after their tactical adjustments.
– I think they were very good after the first fluid break when they changed their system with a left winger between the lines. We had a bit of a problem with that, says van Dijk.
Paying tribute to Isak
The two Liverpool teammates van Dijk and Isak changed shirts after the match.
– Isak is outstanding in my opinion. Hopefully he can stay healthy and be very important for Liverpool next season, says van Dijk.
He thinks the attacking duo Gyökeres–Isak is good.
– Both are outstanding players who can make life very tough for defenders, says van Dijk.
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