Alex MacQuoid
Sweden national team coach Jon Dahl Tomasson is facing intense criticism from fans and pundits after his side suffered a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in Stockholm on Friday night — a result that leaves Sweden’s World Cup hopes hanging by a thread.
Another Tactical Misstep?
Tomasson made several in-game adjustments in an attempt to regain control, but his decisions were met with widespread frustration. Bojan Djordjic, a Viaplay analyst and former Swedish international, slammed the coach’s lack of attacking urgency, particularly his decision to leave Newcastle winger Anthony Elanga on the bench until the final 20 minutes.
“Tomasson must do something now. It is a blatant reason for dismissal that Elanga is still out there warming up,” said Djordjic, visibly frustrated during the broadcast.
“Cowardly” Substitutions
Tomasson opted to bring on Anton Salétros, Daniel Svensson, and Emil Holm before eventually introducing Barcelona’s Roony Bardghji late in the game. But Djordjic and other pundits questioned his caution in a must-win match.
“Those substitutions don’t change the outcome,” Djordjic added. “When you need a result, you go for it — and if you lose, you lose with courage. Instead, Sweden lost 2-0 and looked cowardly doing it.”
Tomasson Defends His Decisions
Speaking after the game, Tomasson defended his approach, suggesting he didn’t want to take unnecessary risks that could backfire late in the match.
“We wanted fresh legs in different positions, but we held the last substitution in case of injury,” he said. “If you change too early, you can end up playing with ten men.”
Sweden in Crisis
The defeat leaves Sweden bottom of Group B with just one point from three matches. Switzerland lead with nine, followed by Kosovo (4) and Slovenia (2). The loss has sparked calls for change, with many fans demanding accountability as Sweden’s qualification campaign teeters on the brink.
With the pressure mounting and confidence fading, Jon Dahl Tomasson finds himself fighting not only for qualification — but for his job. The next international window could decide his fate.