Benjamin Nygren Humbled as Former Celtic Defender Denied Big Moment

Benjamin Nygren started again for Sweden, but it was a hard night for the Celtic attacker as the Netherlands cruised to a 5-1 win in their World Cup group game.

The Hoops midfielder was in Graham Potter’s starting XI, giving Celtic fans another look at him on the world stage. It quickly became a frustrating match, though, with Sweden unable to get a proper grip of the game once the Dutch moved in front.

Nygren worked across the attacking areas, but Sweden never gave him much to build from. The Netherlands were sharper, stronger and far more clinical, leaving the Swedish forwards chasing scraps for long spells.

The Celtic man was taken off after 56 minutes, with Lucas Bergvall sent on in his place. By that stage, Sweden were already in trouble and Potter was looking for a change in energy.

There was also interest for Celtic fans at the back. Gustaf Lagerbielke started in defence and thought he had given Sweden a way back into the match just before half-time.

The former Celtic centre-back headed in from a set-piece, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. It summed up Sweden’s night. Even when they found a moment, it quickly disappeared.

Carl Starfelt was also part of the squad, but the former Celtic defender stayed on the bench and was not used.

For Nygren, this was not a night to take too much from either way. Sweden were poor as a team, and it was not a game where their attacking players had much control.

The positive for Celtic is that he got more World Cup minutes and came through without any clear fitness issue. After a much better team performance against Tunisia, Sweden now need a response in their final group game.

Nygren will hope he has done enough to keep his place. Celtic supporters will be watching closely.