Benjamin Nygren offered one of the few bright sparks in a tough night for Sweden as the Celtic attacker started up top in a front two during their 4-1 World Cup qualifying defeat to Switzerland.

Graham Potter’s side went with a more aggressive setup, and Nygren repaid that faith with a sharp equaliser that briefly dragged Sweden back into the match.

Sweden’s campaign has been a slog, with results and performances falling well below expectation. Against a Switzerland side cruising through Group B, Potter looked for a response by reshaping his attack. Nygren, usually used wide or deeper, was given the freedom to operate closer to goal, and he looked comfortable in that role despite the eventual scoreline.

His goal arrived at a critical time. Breel Embolo had already struck for the hosts, and Sweden were on the ropes. Nygren reacted quickest inside the area, collected the loose ball and finished clinically with his left foot to level the match at 1-1. It was the kind of instinctive strike Celtic supporters have seen glimpses of, and it showed why the Swedish setup continues to view him as part of their long-term plans.

On a wider note, two familiar faces for Celtic supporters were involved in Geneva. Former Hoops defender Gustaf Lagerbielke played the full match at centre-back for Sweden. Meanwhile, Carl Starfelt, another ex-Celtic stopper, was named among the substitutes but did not feature. Their involvement only added extra interest from Glasgow as the match unfolded.

Nygren’s movement was sharp throughout the first half. When paired with Mattias Svanberg, he had the freedom to drift wide, pull defenders out of position and dart into dangerous spaces. Sweden struggled to give him consistent service, but he still created problems with his direct running and willingness to chase second balls.

His pressing and work rate stood out too. Even as Switzerland grew stronger after the break, Nygren kept offering himself as an outlet and pressed intelligently from the front. The shape Sweden used, a more traditional front two, allowed him to stay high rather than dropping deep into crowded midfield areas. That suited him well and could be relevant for Celtic when they look to vary their forward options.

From a finishing point of view, his equaliser showed composure and timing. The angle was tight and the box was busy, yet he guided the ball calmly past Gregor Kobel. It’s exactly the type of moment Celtic will want to see him bring back to Glasgow as he pushes for more consistent minutes.

Sweden’s final match of the campaign comes at home to Slovenia on Tuesday. Their qualification hopes are over, but Potter is under pressure to at least end the campaign with something to build on. Nygren has done enough to be in strong contention for another start, especially after showing more threat than many around him.

The involvement of Lagerbielke and Starfelt is another subplot that Celtic fans will note. Lagerbielke’s full 90 minutes suggest he retains trust at international level, while Starfelt’s omission shows how competitive the Swedish defensive options has become.

Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Celtic v Livingston – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – December 21, 2022 Celtic’s Carl Starfelt in action with Livingston’s James Penrice REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

From Celtic’s perspective, the encouraging part is straightforward. Nygren looked lively, decisive and confident playing closer to goal. If he brings that same sharpness back to domestic duty, he puts himself in a stronger position to push for regular involvement under Brendan Rodgers.

Sweden’s night in Geneva won’t be fondly remembered, but Nygren’s contribution, a goal, energy in attack and signs of real potential in a front two, ensured he left with something meaningful from a difficult campaign.