Victor Lindelof’s first match as Sweden captain went to plan with the team securing victory over Spain.
The two sides met at Euro 2020 in the group stages with the game ending in a 0-0 draw.
Sweden won this one in front of their home fans 2-1 after goals from Alexander Isak and Victor Claessen.
The game could not have started much worse for Sweden after Spain went 1-0 up in the fourth minute through Carlos Soler.
A quick equaliser wiped out Spain’s advantage before Sweden scored the second in the first half. They were then able to hold out for the three points.
Lindelof led the way, making 12 successful clearances to repel Spain’s attacks.
Manchester United teammate David de Gea had been left on the bench by Spain with Unai Simon taking his place.
Lindelof told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet he was thrilled to lead his country to a win.
He said: “We do it fantastically well and it was extra nice because the audience was back. We wanted to give them something to enjoy and we did.”
This was Spain’s first defeat in 66 consecutive World Cup qualifiers.
Spain dominated possession with 75 per cent, but similar to the Euro 2020 match between the countries, they could not find a way past Sweden’s defence.
A chance to win three in a row
Lindelof should be fancying his chance of recording three wins as captain this international break, having secured the tough victory over Spain.
Sweden next face Uzbekistan in a friendly match at the weekend in a match they will be heavily favoured in.
They they travel to face Greece away next week in a World Cup qualifier, looking to build on their win over Spain.
Lindelof could not have asked for a better start to his international captaincy and he has a great chance to follow it up.
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