Viktor Johansson shone once again on the international stage as Sweden secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Slovakia in a thrilling UEFA Nations League encounter. The Stoke City goalkeeper, widely regarded as one of the top shot-stoppers in the EFL Championship, continues to impress, both at the club level and now with the Swedish national team.
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A High-Stakes Match
The game, held on November 16, was pivotal for Sweden’s campaign in Group C. Johansson started as Sweden’s first-choice goalkeeper, underlining his growing importance to the national side.
Sweden got off to a flying start, taking the lead just three minutes in when Alexander Isak set up Viktor Gyökeres for the opening goal. However, Slovakia responded swiftly, equalizing in the 19th minute through David Hancko. The first half ended with the score tied at 1-1, setting the stage for a tense second half.
In the 48th minute, Sweden regained the lead, this time with Isak finding the back of the net after a well-executed assist from Gyökeres. The goal proved decisive, as Sweden held on for the 2-1 win.
— Svensk Fotboll (@svenskfotboll) November 16, 2024
Johansson's Performance: A Mixed Review
While Sweden dominated much of the match, Slovakia managed just six shots, two of which were on target. Johansson was relatively untested but did make one important save to keep Sweden ahead.
The Stoke City goalkeeper played all 90 minutes, recording 40 touches and showcasing his ability to contribute to Sweden’s build-up play. Johansson completed 21 of 31 passes, achieving a 68% pass accuracy. However, his long-ball distribution remains an area for improvement, as he completed only 7 of 17 attempted long passes.
Despite this minor drawback, Johansson’s command of the penalty area and reliability were evident throughout the game, reinforcing his reputation as a dependable option for Sweden. Sweden’s victory against Slovakia solidifies their position as the frontrunner in Group C. Johansson is expected to start again when Sweden faces Azerbaijan on November 19 in their final group-stage match.
For Johansson, this international window is yet another opportunity to continue his stellar form, both for Stoke City and the Swedish national team, as he establishes himself as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in European football.