Azerbaijan vs Sweden
European Championship Qualifying
Thursday
16th November 2023
Tofik Bakhramov Stadium
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the European Championship Qualifying fixture between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
Azerbaijan vs Sweden: Preview
Azerbaijan form analysis
Azerbaijan’s obvious shortcomings when playing teams with higher rankings have been shown during their present run of European Championship Qualification matches. They started with an expected heavy 0-5 home thrashing by Sweden, totally outplayed and ripped apart by the visitors’ slick counters. There was a better display next game as they ground out a 1-1 home draw with Estonia, equalizing through Krivotsyuk after initially going behind.
However, problems resurfaced in their next match with an expected 1-0 home loss to Belgium, unable to cope with the visitor’s superior quality besides half chances. Back on track next up, Azerbaijan earned a vital 2-0 away win in Estonia thanks to goals from Bayramov and Seydayev’s penalty. Most recently they suffered a narrow 0-1 home loss to Austria, matching the visitors besides the decisive Sabitzer penalty. Overall, Azerbaijan have remained organized defensively but offered little threat in attack besides rare counter attacks. Significant improvement is still needed.
Sweden form analysis
Sweden’s recent run of European Championship Qualifying games has showcased their dangerous attack but also some concerning defensive vulnerabilities. They started impressively by demolishing Azerbaijan 5-0 away thanks to goals from Forsberg, own goal, Gyokeres, Karlsson and Elanga. The following game, a depressing 0-2 loss at home to Austria, revealed issues at the back. As the team was unable to handle the opponents’ late double salvo.
Gyokeres’ goal and strikes from Kulusevski, Isak, Claesson, and Quaison enabled Sweden to defeat Estonia 5-0 away, reviving their offensive. But even though they lost 3-1 in their backyard to Austria, giving up a two-goal lead and showing signs of weakness in their defense the following game. Most recently they held Belgium to a 1-1 away draw courtesy of Gyokeres’ opener before Lukaku equalized from the spot after intense pressure. Overall, Sweden boast real attacking talents like Isak and Kulusevski but their porous defense prevents them from getting results against quality teams.
