Kosovo beat Sweden 1-0 to boost World Cup playoff hopes

Sweden's World Cup qualifying hopes were dealt a severe blow on Monday as Kosovo beat the hosts 1-0 at Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg, leaving Sweden bottom of Group B with one point from four matches and giving Kosovo a firmer grip on second place. The lone goal arrived in the 32nd minute when Fisnik Asllani finished from close range after a flowing move that began with Vedat Muriqi and Veldin Hodza splitting Sweden's defence.

Sweden pressed after the interval but failed to break down a compact Kosovo defence. Alexander Isak came closest to an equaliser, heading over and later slicing a shot wide before his stoppage-time header was brilliantly kept out by Kosovo goalkeeper Arijanet Muric, preserving the visitors' victory as home supporters booed. The result completes a double for Kosovo, who also won 2-0 in Pristina last month.

The defeat piles more pressure on Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson, whose side have scored only twice in the qualifying campaign and conceded repeatedly. Fans at the stadium displayed banners calling for the coach's resignation, and the atmosphere around the national team has become strained. Veteran goalkeeper Robin Olsen has said he will not play for the...