Monday’s European World Cup qualifying slate gave us shocks, a nine-goal thriller and ugly reality checks for stars who flew into the window with big reputations. Kosovo stunned Sweden 2–0, Italy edged Israel 5–4 in a crazy game, Denmark shredded Greece 3–0, Scotland beat Belarus 2–0, and Switzerland smashed Slovenia 3–0. Forwards Benjamin Šeško and Viktor Gyökeres two names the headlines expected to shine instead left fans frustrated after quiet nights.
Match-by-match breakdown (facts, scores and why it matters)
Kosovo 2–0 Sweden — a seismic upset
Score: Kosovo 2–0 Sweden.
Goals: Elvis Rexhbecaj (rebound), Vedat Muriqi (just before half). Sweden were visibly blunt; Alexander Isak was introduced from the bench but could not spark a comeback. Kosovo ended with ten men late on. This result shoves Sweden into a precarious early hole in Group B and lifts Kosovo into second, breathing new life into a group many had written them off.
Tactical note: Kosovo countered sharply and punished Sweden’s inability to press as a cohesive unit.
Switzerland 3–0 Slovenia — Swiss statement, Sesko silenced
Score: Switzerland 3–0 Slovenia.
Goals: Nico Elvedi, Breel Embolo, Dan Ndoye (all in the first 40 minutes). Switzerland dominated early, exploited set-piece and wide overloads and effectively ended the match before halftime. For Benjamin Šeško this was a night to forget he started but couldn’t influence the game or add a goal to his international tally, and Slovenia looked overrun in midfield and on transition. Slovenia’s fragile defensive shape was exposed repeatedly.
Italy 5–4 Israel — a rollercoaster that raised questions
Score: Italy 5–4 Israel.
Why this matters: Thrillers are great TV shows, but this particular game was one for the ages, Italy’s defensive fragility was illuminated two own goals and repeated lapses left their coach equal parts relieved and alarmed. Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui supplied the bite up front, and Sandro Tonali’s stoppage-time strike sealed an incredible comeback. Pragmatic read: spirit and scoring depth rescued Italy tonight, but the balance and defensive communication need urgent repair if Italy want to top the group outright.
Denmark 3–0 Greece — Damsgaard dancing, Denmark in control
Score: Denmark 3–0 Greece.
Goals/performers: Mikkel Damsgaard opened the show; Andreas Christensen and Rasmus Højlund added the finish. Denmark’s fluidity in transition and clinical use of wide channels left Greece chasing shadows. They now sit as leaders in Group C on goal difference form, confidence and a balanced spine make them genuine qualifiers.
Scotland 2–0 Belarus — efficient and relentless
Score: Scotland 2–0 Belarus (behind closed doors).
Key: Che Adams scored, and an own goal wrapped up the result. Scotland were tidy, tactically disciplined and dangerous on set-pieces. They remain entwined with Denmark at the top of Group C; the Scotland model right now is solidity plus moments of individual brilliance.
Deep tactical reads — what the managers will take home
Transition and space-exploitation won matches
Kosovo and Switzerland used quick vertical passes and overloaded flanks to punish teams that left gaps between midfield and full-backs. Teams that protected those lanes Denmark, Italy in attack prospered.
Defensive organisation is the recurring worry
Italy conceded four and still won that’s the clearest red flag. If a side of Italy’s pedigree leaks that many chances, meeting a top side in a crunch match could be fatal. Sweden’s inability to turn possession into real chances and their defensive slips cost them in Pristina. Managers who tighten shapes and enforce midfield control will gain advantage in the group scramble.
Pressing and energy levels separate the contenders
Denmark’s high-energy work rate suffocated Greece. Scotland’s discipline neutralised Belarus. Conversely, Sweden’s low pressing intensity allowed Kosovo to play through the lines and create quick chances. Expect immediate tactical tweaks from the likes of Sweden’s staff.
The Sesko & Gyökeres file — expectations vs reality
Benjamin Šeško (Slovenia): Came into the window with club momentum and a high-price move fueling headlines, yet against Switzerland he struggled to find space or link play effectively. Multiple match reports and performance trackers show a blank night for the Manchester United forward no goals and little influence on Swiss defenders who dominated aerially and on the second ball. This is the kind of international night that will test Sesko’s mental response his club form buys patience, but the pressure to deliver is real.
Viktor Gyökeres (Sweden): The Arsenal forward’s club form remains strong, but on the international stage in Pristina he failed to impose himself. Stats and social/press reaction note few shots, limited touches in the final third and an inability to turn the tide after Isak was introduced. It’s a reminder that a striker’s club momentum doesn’t automatically translate to cohesive national-team service Sweden will need more from their front line.
Group implications — who benefits, who’s alarmed
Group B (Switzerland, Kosovo, Sweden, Slovenia): Switzerland sit pretty early on two wins from two; Kosovo have announced themselves as real challengers; Sweden are in trouble and urgently need cohesion. Slovenia must rebuild confidence after that Basel drubbing.
Group C (Denmark & Scotland): Early leaders and tied on points; both look well-balanced. Other nations in that pool must raise intensity to compete.
Italy’s group: Italy’s win keeps them in the mix but shows they can’t rely on heroic late moments forever Norway still sit at the summit for now.
What to watch next (coaches’ must-do list)
Sweden: Rejuvenate pressing structure, pick a front three that links, and stop treating games as possession training sessions.
Slovenia/Sesko: Work on creating half-spaces and second-phase runs for Sesko he thrives on knockdowns and quick layoffs.
Italy: Defensive clarity — start with set-piece organisation and man-marking in box.
Kosovo: Protect the counter template, but guard against complacency when playing favourites.
