Viktor Gyokeres Scores Free Kick for Sweden on His 28th Birthday in 2-2 Draw with Greece

Viktor Gyokeres celebrated his 28th birthday in memorable fashion by scoring a free kick for Sweden during their 2-2 friendly draw against Greece in Solna. Starting the match as a key striker, Gyokeres helped his national team respond after Greece took an early lead through Kostas Tsimikas in the 10th minute.

The Swedish side struggled to find an immediate response in the first half but came out stronger after the break. In the 53rd minute, Gyokeres was awarded a free kick from a dangerous position. Taking advantage of a gap in the defensive wall and aided by a deflection off an opponent’s arm, Gyokeres managed to score the equalizer. This goal marked his 20th in 34 appearances for the national team, underlining his growing importance to Sweden’s attack.

Alongside Gyokeres, Alexander Lagerbielke from SC Braga was also in the starting eleven, while Greece fielded their captain Pavlidis from Benfica. In the second half, Greece introduced Vagianidis from Sporting, adding fresh energy to their attacking lineup. The match was a part of Sweden’s ongoing preparations for the 2026 World Cup following their earlier 1-3 defeat to Norway.

Sweden briefly took the lead in the 69th minute when Nilsson scored, but Greece fought back to secure a late equalizer through Masouras, resulting in the final 2-2 scoreline. The match showcased Sweden’s resilience and the valuable contribution of players like Gyokeres, whose set-piece ability adds an important dimension to the team’s offensive options.

Looking ahead, Sweden will continue their preparations with further friendlies before entering the World Cup group stage, where they will face Tunisia, the Netherlands, and Japan. The team’s performance in these upcoming matches will be crucial in assessing their readiness for the tournament and the role that Gyokeres and his teammates will play on the international stage.