In a dominating display, Sweden triumphed over Northern Ireland 5-1 in a friendly match held at the Strawberry Arena on March 25, 2025. The victory not only marked a significant rebound for the Swedish team after a disappointing defeat to Luxembourg just days earlier but also showcased the remarkable talents of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.
Isak, who has been in exceptional form in the Premier League, made his presence felt early in the match by assisting Emil Holm for the opening goal just seven minutes in. The 23-year-old expertly controlled a high ball in the area and turned away from defenders before setting up Holm, who slotted it home from close range. This early goal set the tone for a match that Northern Ireland struggled to compete in.
Despite Northern Ireland's promising start, which included a shot from Justin Devenney that forced a save from Sweden's goalkeeper Viktor Johansson within the first minute, the visitors quickly found themselves on the back foot. After Isak’s assist, Benjamin Nygren doubled Sweden's lead in the 33rd minute, tapping in a rebound after Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles mishandled a low cross.
Sweden continued to press, and just before the hour mark, Ken Sema made it 3-0, capitalizing on a rebound from a free-kick. The situation worsened for Northern Ireland when Isak scored Sweden's fourth goal in the 64th minute, curling a stunning shot from the edge of the box into the net, leaving Charles with no chance. Anthony Elanga sealed the deal with Sweden's fifth goal with just 13 minutes remaining.
For Northern Ireland, the match was a harsh lesson in finishing. They came into the game on the back of a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Switzerland, but the absence of key players Trai Hume and Ethan Galbraith due to injury proved detrimental. Manager Michael O'Neill handed full debuts to Terry Devlin and Jamie Donley, both of whom were unable to make a significant impact against a more experienced Swedish side.
Donley, a Tottenham Hotspur forward currently on loan at Leyton Orient, had made his international debut just four days earlier, coming off the bench in the Switzerland match. This time, he started but struggled to find his footing in a game that quickly turned one-sided. Isaac Price managed to score a late consolation goal for Northern Ireland in the 90th minute, giving the 450 supporters who traveled to Stockholm something to cheer about.
Michael O'Neill's squad will have to regroup as they prepare for upcoming friendlies against Iceland and Denmark in June, before the World Cup qualifying campaign kicks off in September, where they will face tough opponents like Germany, Luxembourg, and Slovakia.
On the other hand, Sweden's success in this match is a welcome boost as they look to build momentum following their prior loss. Isak's performance, which included a goal and an assist, was a clear highlight, demonstrating his ability to perform on the international stage just as he has been doing for his club. With 23 goals for Newcastle this season, Isak is poised to return to Tyneside with confidence and motivation as they prepare for their next Premier League match against Brentford on April 2.
As the dust settles on this friendly, both teams have lessons to take away. Sweden will take heart from their clinical finishing and team cohesion, while Northern Ireland will need to focus on their attacking efficiency and defensive organization if they hope to improve in their upcoming fixtures.
Overall, this match served as a reminder of the challenges faced by younger squads against established teams, and the importance of capitalizing on opportunities when they arise. Northern Ireland's journey continues, and with a focus on development and learning, they hope to turn the page on this defeat and emerge stronger in future competitions.
