VALENCIA, Spain — Ukraine’s head coach, Serhiy Rebrov, praised Viktor Gyökeres for showcasing his talent after the Swedish striker netted a hat trick in Thursday’s World Cup playoff match against Ukraine at the Ciutat de Valencia stadium.
Gyökeres set the tone by scoring early and added two more goals in the second half, contributing significantly to Sweden’s 3-1 victory, which puts them on track to face Poland on Tuesday for a chance to qualify for the upcoming tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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Ukraine managed a late consolation goal from young player Matvii Ponomarenko but ultimately fell short of making their first World Cup appearance since 2006.
“Gyökeres was outstanding and made a significant impact tonight,” admitted Rebrov in the post-match press conference. “He demonstrated his quality, which is why he plays for Arsenal and why he is considered one of the best strikers in Europe.”
With both Alexander Isak and Dejan Kulusevski unavailable, Gyökeres rose to the occasion, scoring first with a well-placed shot from a Benjamin Nygren cross in the sixth minute.
He then capitalized on a long ball from goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt, showcasing both power and finesse to double the lead. He sealed his hat trick with a penalty, which he earned himself, prompting coach Graham Potter to commend his performance.
“Viktor’s display was nothing short of incredible,” said Potter. “Beyond the goals, his hold-up play and defensive contributions were vital to a remarkable performance.”
When asked what he told Gyökeres before the match, Potter humorously remarked, “I simply said to go out there and score a hat trick.” He emphasized the collective spirit of the team, stating, “It’s crucial to recognize the teamwork that supported Viktor. There’s room for improvement as we embark on this journey.”
In just his third match as Sweden’s coach, Potter celebrated their first win in qualification after reaching the playoffs based on their Nations League performance, despite failing to secure a victory in their previous six World Cup qualifying matches.
Looking ahead, the team must refocus for their pivotal match against Poland on Tuesday, with Potter noting, “This was a significant step forward. I’m pleased with how the team interacted against a strong opponent.” He added, “However, another tough challenge awaits, and we need to be ready.”
The defeat in Valencia marked the end of Ukraine’s World Cup aspirations, creating uncertainty around Rebrov’s future, as his contract expires in two months without any plans for renewal offered by the Ukrainian Football Association. “Right now, I have two months left on my contract and no proposal to extend it,” Rebrov stated, “so we’ll see what happens in two months.” He acknowledged the fans’ interest in his situation but clarified that his focus remains on the remaining match.