Viktor Johansson started a competitive Sweden game for the first time and saved a penalty as he starred in victory
Viktor Johansson all-but shrugged off plaudits after making a penalty-saving dream full debut for Sweden.
The 25-year-old Stoke City keeper made his first start for Sweden in last night’s 3-1 Nation Leagues win over Azerbaijan. He saved a spot kick from Ramil Sheydaev diving low to his right late in the first-half when the score was still 0-0 and made another seven saves in a display that was celebrated by supporters and pundits.
But when he was asked all those stops in a post-match interview, he said: “That’s why I’m here, to be able to make saves when I’m needed. It’s nice that we got the win and I’m very happy, caught up in the moment and it’s hard to take it all in – but the saves, I’ve been doing it all my life, I felt safe. I don’t think about it too much, I’m here to save shots.”
Johansson has previously come off the bench for Sweden, against Moldova in October while he was still with Rotherham.
It’s a quick turnaround now, back from Baku for a home match against Estonia on Sunday.
“It’s clear this was a dream experience and I get to enjoy myself a bit and then it’s back to work tomorrow,” he said. “What matters is that we got three points.”
Johansson got the summons because of a head injury to 75-time capped Aston Villa keeper Robin Olsen.
But he doesn’t expect to keep the gloves once Olsen is fit again.
“Robin has been absolutely fantastic,” he said. “I really don’t expect that.”
Million Manhoef was also in international action last night, scoring twice for Netherlands under-21s in a 5-0 whitewash of North Macedonia.
