Every dog has its day, and every dog has its dinner. For fan favourite Lucas Bergvall, this was his dog’s dinner of a touch, against Switzerland.
During a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualifier at the 3Arena in Dublin (a neutral venue due to renovations at Sweden’s home stadium), Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall had a nightmare moment for Sweden against Switzerland.
In the 43rd minute, with the score still 0-0, Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak delivered a pinpoint through-ball into the box, setting up Bergvall for what should have been a tap-in with the goal gaping. Instead, the 19-year-old inexplicably stepped on the ball, stumbled, and fell over it, allowing Swiss defender Fabian Schär to recover and clear the danger.
This miss epitomized Sweden’s frustrating performance, as they ultimately fell 2-0 to goals from Breel Embolo (59′) and Ruben Vargas (77′). The result leaves Sweden in a precarious position in Group F, five points behind leaders Switzerland with only four matches remaining, seriously threatening their automatic qualification hopes.
Bergvall, who was making his fourth senior international appearance and played 85 minutes before being substituted, later took full responsibility for the blunder and a second missed chance in the second half, telling reporters: “Two chances – two misses. I take the responsibility, not the team.”
Despite the error, he showed pace and promise in other moments, earning praise for his overall involvement.
Lucas achieved a 78% passing average, made two key passes, and made 4 recoveries.
I take Ian Wright’s view on such matters, and it is better for Spurs fans that players get these errors out of the way before wearing the Lilywhite.