Yasin Ayari played a key role in Sweden’s 5-1 rout of Tunisia in their opening game of the World Cup – but after scoring the first goal he chose not to celebrate.
The Brighton star latched onto the rebound after Viktor Gyokeres had an early attempt blocked and volleyed past Tunisia keeper Abdelmouhib Chamakh in the seventh minute at the Estadio Monterrey.
But having enjoyed a dream start to his World Cup debut, the 22-year-old did not celebrate, instead raising his hands in apology to the opposition fans.
Ayari did so as a way of paying respect to his heritage, having been born in Solna, Sweden to a Tunisian father, Azzouz Ayari.
The younger Ayari, who represented Sweden at the youth level, was given the chance to switch allegiances and play for Tunisia ahead of the 2022 World Cup, but he declined.
When asked about his son’s choice to represent Sweden, Azzouz Ayari told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet earlier this year that he agreed with the decision.
“No, I wanted him to play for Sweden,” Azzouz Ayari said. “He must feel like he’s giving back to the country that took care of him.”
Ayari himself said: “I was born in Sweden and feel Swedish, and Sweden is the country I want to represent.”
He joined Brighton in 2023 and made his debut for the Swedish national team the same year.
On Saturday, Tunisia coach Sabri Lamouchi also offered support to Ayari.
“I know him and his brother,” Lamouchi said. “He made a choice, I have a lot of respect, and he’s a very good player. We wish him after the game best of luck, but that is after the game.”
In the final seconds, Ayari scored a second goal with a long-range shot to the left corner. He celebrated more enthusiastically, sliding on his knees while cupping his ear with his hand toward the Sweden fans behind the goal.
AP
