World Cup qualifying: Pressure rises on Sweden after second Kosovo loss

Sweden remain winless in World Cup qualifying, having suffered another shock defeat to Kosovo on Monday.

Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres both started in Gothenburg, but the hosts struggled to find their finishing touch in the 1-0 defeat.

Fisnik Asllani got the all-important goal in the 32nd minute, poking home after Veldin Hodza had failed to control the ball in the box.

Leon Avdullahu also struck the woodwork before the break, and though Sweden pushed for an equaliser, Gyokeres, Roony Bardghji and Isak all failed to find a way past Arijanet Muric in goal.

Sweden stay bottom of Group C on one point, with qualification almost out of their reach, while Kosovo's hopes of clinching a play-off spot strengthened as they sit second.

They are behind Switzerland, who remain top of the group after a 0-0 draw with Slovenia.

In a game of very little quality, all three of Switzerland's shots on target came in the 86th minute or later, with none of Miro Muheim, Nico Elvedi or Granit Xhaka able to snatch a late winner.

Elsewhere, Slovakia kept on pace with Germany in Group A thanks to a 2-0 win over Luxembourg.

Adam Obert and substitute Ivan Schranz got the goals for the hosts, moving them to nine points, and just behind Julian Nagelsmann's side on goal difference.

North Macedonia, meanwhile, lost their grip on top spot in Group J after a 1-1 draw with Kazakhstan, coupled with Belgium's win over Wales.

Captain Enis Bardhi salvaged a point after Dinmukhamed Karaman had put the visitors in front.

Data Debrief: Sweden's torrid run goes on

Sweden have now lost their last three games in World Cup qualifiers, their longest losing streak in the competition (since at least 2010).

Not only that, but they have also failed to score in all of those games, despite Isak having six shots in this game, the most of any Sweden player in this qualifying campaign.

Jon Dahl Tomasson is coming under pressure, and his team just lacked that final touch. They had 1.14 expected goals (xG) to Kosovo's 1.15, despite having six more attempts than them (13 to seven).