According to JILIPARK, the October international break brought mixed emotions across the football world. Cape Verde made history by qualifying for their first-ever World Cup — a remarkable feat for a nation of just 500,000 people. But over in Europe, the competition proved far less forgiving. Traditional giant Sweden have suffered a humiliating early elimination, finishing bottom of their qualifying group after a 0–1 home defeat to Kosovo, ranked 91st in the world.
Currently ranked 32nd, Sweden’s squad — valued at €195 million — boasts one of Europe’s most expensive attacking duos, Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres. Yet the team have endured a nightmare campaign: three straight losses, only one point in four matches, and just two goals scored in total.
The numbers paint an even bleaker picture. Across two October home matches, Isak and Gyökeres played a combined 180 minutes, recording 11 shots, 3 on target, and no goals. Individually, Isak has 0 goals and 0 assists in 198 minutes, while Gyökeres has 1 assist in 360 minutes.
To put that into perspective, Cape Verde’s entire squad is valued at just €27 million — less than a quarter of Gyökeres (€75M) and Isak (€120M) combined — yet they’re going to the World Cup while Sweden are staying home.
Following the loss to Kosovo, Isak didn’t hold back in a post-match interview. The Newcastle striker criticized the entire team, saying:
“We were terrible. It’s embarrassing. We let everyone down again. Everything’s wrong — the way we play, the attitude, the execution. Nobody performed. Everyone failed.”
His harsh words reflect a growing crisis within the Swedish camp, where morale and confidence appear shattered.
The defeat also set several unwanted records. Kosovo, ranked 59 places below Sweden, completed a historic double victory over the “Vikings.” Sweden’s 1-point haul in four games marks their worst-ever World Cup qualifying start. Their €195M strike partnership producing just one goal contribution in four matches underscores their shocking inefficiency.
Both Isak and Gyökeres have also struggled at club level lately, with Isak — once Liverpool’s record signing — failing to live up to expectations.
In football, nothing is guaranteed — not even for big names or expensive lineups. The World Cup qualifiers remind us that only the most cohesive teams make it through. As JILIPARK concludes, even Sweden, with all their talent and resources, couldn’t qualify — so perhaps it’s time fans of other nations, including China, realize that no team has a “right” to be there.