Sweden Stunned by Surprise Friendly Defeat Against Luxembourg

The year 2025 has kicked off on a disappointing note for Sweden, who fell to a 1-0 defeat against Luxembourg in an international friendly held at Stade de Luxembourg.

Sweden’s manager, Jon Dahl Tomasson, assembled a formidable starting lineup, including Alexander Isak and Anthony Elanga as the attack spearheads, with Robin Olsen guarding the net.

There was little Olsen could do to prevent Luxembourg’s solitary goal midway through the first half; a well-placed corner from Danel Sinani found Seid Korac at the back post, who deftly headed the ball through Olsen’s legs.

Despite boasting significant firepower in their forward ranks, Sweden struggled to create meaningful chances over the course of the match, managing only two shots on target compared to the home side’s seven.

The situation could have worsened for the team ranked 65 places above their opponents in the second half when Alessio Curci rounded Olsen, but Isak Hien made a crucial goal-saving challenge just in time to stop Curci from tapping it into an empty net.

Vincent Thill also came close to extending Luxembourg’s lead late in the game as they pressed for a second goal.

Ultimately, however, one goal was all Luxembourg needed to secure their first victory over Sweden in seven attempts.

This marks an embarrassing start to the year for Tomasson and his squad, especially after they comprehensively triumphed 8-0 in their last encounter with Luxembourg back in 2017.

Sweden will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for a home friendly against Northern Ireland in Solna on Tuesday.