A handful of Leeds United stars were in action for their countries on Monday night, as the October international break begins to wind down and players make their way back.
Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Karl Darlow were all in action for Wales as Craig Bellamy’s side failed to pull off a surprise result despite Rodon’s super header. Wales suffered a 4-2 loss to the Belgians last night.
Isaac Schmidt couldn’t play for Switzerland due to a foot injury, but Jaka Bijol showed Daniel Farke what he is capable of. Another clean sheet for Slovenia as they drew 0-0 for the second time during the break.
But for Sweden, things could not have gone worse. This is a side that boasts Alexander Isak, Anthony Elanga, Viktor Gyokeres and Lucas Bergvall. Yet, it looks as if Sweden won’t qualify for the World Cup.
Swedish media have their say on Gabriel Gudmundsson
Having now played four games in Group B of the qualifying campaign, Sweden have just one point. It comes after Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side were beaten by Switzerland last week, and Kosovo last night.
A second defeat to Kosovo in this qualifying campaign, the presence of Isak, Gyokeres, Elanga, Bergvall and Gudmundsson was not enough. A home defeat, and Tomasson’s future as manager seems bleak.
Fotbollskanalen gave Gudmundsson a rating of 2 out of 5 – no other Swedish player got a 3. They said his performance was “aggressive,” but he played a role in keeping a Kosovo attacker onside to score.
“Started strongly. Contributed offensively and was aggressive in the duel game. A completely okay effort from the left back, even though he canceled the offside at 1-0,” the Swedish media outlet reported.
What chances do Sweden and Gabriel Gudmundsson have?
It looks almost zero for Sweden, who had started with a solid 2-2 draw away at Slovakia before losing all three games next. Two to Kosovo, one to Switzerland, without managing to score a single Sweden goal.
It leaves Gudmundsson’s men down in fourth with one point. Leaders Switzerland have now qualified with 10 points, while Kosovo sit in second on 7, Slovenia in third on three. Sweden need to win both games.
| Position | Games played | Wins | Draws | Losses | GD | Points |
| Switzerland | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 10 |
| Kosovo | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | -1 | 7 |
| Slovenia | 4 | 0 | 3 | 1 | -3 | 3 |
| Sweden | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | -5 | 1 |
They need six points from games against Switzerland and Slovenia in November, and they must hope that Kosovo loses both of their games next month. Only then, would the Swedes possibly make second place.
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