Alexander Isak was an unused substitute as Sweden were denied by Zan Vipotnik's last-gasp equaliser in Friday's 2-2 World Cup qualifying draw in Slovenia.
The superstar striker has not featured this season after a protracted transfer saga that eventually saw him depart Newcastle United for Premier League champions Liverpool in a £125million deal on deadline day.
But Isak had to play the role of bystander as Jon Dahl Tomasson's side were twice pegged back in Ljubljana, with Anthony Elanga's 18th-minute opener cancelled out by Sandi Lovric.
Yasin Ayari restored the visitors' lead in the 73rd minute and that looked to be enough until Vipotnik rescued a point in the final minute of normal time, to leave the teams level after their opening Group B game.
Elsewhere, Andrej Kramaric was on target as Croatia could only muster a 1-0 victory over minnows Faroe Islands, for a win that maintains their 100% record in Group L.
Croatia still trail group leaders Czechia by three points but have two games in hand.
Scotland started their Group C campaign with a creditable 0-0 draw against Denmark in Copenhagen, a result that boosts Steve Clarke's hopes of leading the team to at least a second-placed finish and a play-off spot. Greece are top on three points after thrashing Belarus 5-1.
Data Debrief: Croatia love that winning feeling
Croatia had a whopping 26 shots in their narrow win over the Faroe Islands but only eight were on target.
Still, they have now won their last five games in World Cup qualifiers, their longest winning streak in the competition on record (since at least 2010).
Slovenia, meanwhile, have scored in their last five World Cup qualifiers, their longest run of games with a goal in the competition since a run of eight from August 12, 2009 to October 8, 2016.
Rehcekmrt
0
let him res
Fopbdkpstz
2
When last has Isak played football? He didn't do any preseason, didn't train with any team for months. His first proper training was just two days ago. The coach was right not to have used him. I'm sure the medical team must have advised him
Jezaeklnoz
0
imagine
Nobdinoptu
0
Sweden coach will be sack.
Vahclnuz
0
This player must be serious otherwise
foabdeprty
0
what is wrong with this coach
football
foabdeprty
0
What a fool, why would you leave Isaak on the bench
post football
Mrbank
1
Liverpool told Sweden not to play Isak because he’s not fully fit yet
lie , Liverpool didn't have the right to stop anyone not to play any of their players in the international game, it is only when the players have injury and not fit for the game due to lack of play time .
Everblessed10
3
Liverpool told Sweden not to play Isak because he’s not fully fit yet
Hipbeknu
0
what is wrong with this coach
Russey
1
What a fool, why would you leave Isaak on the bench
RJADK
1
New Slovenia new generation and there are great moments to achieve new experience and there is no stopping them