RTL Today – ‘Massive performance’: Luxembourg stun Sweden with 1-0 victory in friendly

Matches between the two nations have been rare, and Luxembourg has historically struggled against Sweden, most notably suffering an 8-0 defeat in 2017. This time, however, the story was different.

Luxembourg started strongly, disrupting Sweden’s rhythm early on. Their efforts were rewarded in the 24th minute when Seid Korac headed in from a Sinani corner, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead at half-time.

The second half was more cautious, but Luxembourg continued to create the better chances. Moreira came close to doubling the lead in the 76th minute but was denied by Swedish goalkeeper Robin Olsen, who also made a crucial save against Barreiro in the 86th minute. Despite late pressure from Sweden, Luxembourg held firm to claim a well-earned victory.

“It was a massive performance from the boys on the pitch,” said Luxembourg’s national coach, Luc Holtz, in an RTL interview.

Match-winner Seid Korac, who scored his second goal for the national team, expressed pride in the squad’s performance.

Captain Laurent Jans showed visible relief after the match, noting that after a difficult few months, the team had responded well and given everything on the pitch.
More reactions can be found in the video.

Watch Holtz’s reaction and more player responses in the video (in Luxembourgish)

1-0 Korac (24′)

Luxembourg pressed Sweden from the start, with Sinani coming close in the 6th minute. Sweden created little early on but nearly took the lead against the run of play when Eliasson’s cross found Isak, whose header forced a superb save from Moris. The resulting corner caused more danger, but Moris again managed to clear.

Apart from a long-range effort from Isak in the 20th minute, Sweden struggled to threaten. Luxembourg, in contrast, created several chances. In the 21st minute, young Madjo found himself unmarked in front of goal but failed to make clean contact.

Three minutes later, Luxembourg’s persistence paid off – Sinani delivered a corner to the far post, where Korac rose highest to head the ball into the net.

Luxembourg pushed for a second, with Rodrigues testing Olsen from a free kick in the 28th minute and Sinani also going close before the break. In the 36th minute, Madjo appeared to be brought down in the penalty area, but the referee waved play on. The score remained 1-0 at halftime.

The second half started at a slower pace, but Luxembourg remained the more dangerous side. In the 53rd minute, Sinani’s cross found Korac, whose header was saved by Olsen. Sweden rarely threatened, with Luxembourg’s defence blocking their efforts.

By the 65th minute, the match had lost some intensity. Sweden struggled to break through, while Luxembourg slowed their attacking pace. In the final stages, Sweden increased the pressure, pinning Luxembourg deep in their half.

However, the best chances still fell to Luxembourg. In the 76th minute, Moreira was sent through on goal but was denied by Olsen in a one-on-one. Barreiro had a similar opportunity in the 86th minute, but Olsen again came to Sweden’s rescue.

The final minutes saw both teams attacking, but the score remained unchanged. Luxembourg held on for a well-deserved 1-0 win.

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