Viktor Gyokeres Reacts to Sweden's World Cup Exit

Viktor Gyokeres says Sweden now have to prove they are capable of more after their World Cup campaign ended with a 3-0 defeat to France.

The Arsenal forward was part of a Sweden side outclassed by one of the tournament’s favourites, as France booked their place in the next round against Paraguay.

Sweden endured a tough night, holding their own for long stretches before France’s attacking quality finally told.

Afterwards, Gyokeres admitted the defeat hurt, but was quick to defend the team’s effort.

“It is heavy,” Gyokeres said.

“We fight, we give everything. We defend well in the first half. Of course, they have many dangerous chances.

“With a little better luck today, maybe we keep it 0-0 until half-time and maybe take a chance, and then you never know how it would have looked.

“But over 90 minutes, they deserve to win the match and we do everything we can.”

Gyokeres found himself doing plenty of defensive work, often dropping deeper as Sweden tried to contain France’s movement and quality.

He explained that this was simply what Sweden needed from him on the night.

“They attack with many players and with extreme quality,” Gyokeres said.

“Sometimes you need to do that job to have a chance to win these football matches.

“Especially in today’s football, I don’t think many teams can afford to defend with nine or 10 players, so of course it needs to be done. That is why I did it.”

The 28-year-old also reflected on France’s opener, which saw Kylian Mbappe find space from a short corner and finish clinically.

Gyokeres admitted Sweden had prepared for France’s short-corner routines, but conceded they simply did not react quickly enough.

“They play it short,” he said.

“We knew they would play short many corners. We are not quick enough out there, so he cuts inside quickly and puts it in the far corner. It is well done.”

France’s movement in attack caused Sweden problems all night, with Gyokeres offering insight into just how difficult they were to defend against.

“They rotate with a lot of players,” he said.

“They come into different positions. They are not static. They know each other well in how they move and the connection between each other.

“When they have that quality and those movements, it is going to be tough.

“But I think we defended well for a while and then, after a while, it is difficult to keep it like that for 90 minutes.”

Gyokeres also praised Mbappe after another influential performance from the France forward.

“He is an amazing player, of course,” Gyokeres said.

“I don’t need to say something to him. I think he knows it and he has done this for a lot of years now.

“He shows it here again. He is an incredible player, of course.”

Sweden’s exit brings to a close a tournament that has added to the squad’s experience on the big stage, but Gyokeres made it clear that patience can only take them so far.

Looking ahead, he insisted Sweden now have to turn that experience into results.

“I think it will give us a lot,” Gyokeres said.

“We are all at a good age. We have played a number of matches together now.

“I don’t think we can talk so much more after this World Cup about needing more time and needing to play together more.

“I think here and now, we have played a bit together and I think we have to prove that we can do more than this now.”

Gyokeres did not sugarcoat his assessment after a painful defeat. Sweden showed plenty of fight, but France underlined the difference between simply staying in a knockout game and taking control of it.

For Gyokeres, there were no excuses. Sweden have had time together, gained valuable tournament experience, and now the challenge is to take the next step.