Updated 13.31 | Published 2025-09-05 23.22
Ljubljana. “Best on the pitch” in the first half.
In the 64th minute, Anthony Elanga was replaced.
“I have no idea why,” he says.
Elanga replaced: “Had a lot of energy” – Tomasson’s answer
2:46
The experts in Viaplay‘s studio raised his eyebrows when the union captain Jon Dahl Tomasson chose to replace Anthony Elanga at the score 1-1.
– Inside he is probably very, very surprised. For in the first half, he was definitely the best player on the pitch. He looked dangerous every time. That he was replaced I must say is the only thing in the match that surprises me, says Fredrik Ljungberg.
“No idea”
Shortly after the change, Yasin Ayari made 2-1 a blue -yellow, but the match ended 2–2 after a late Slovenian receipt.
Afterwards, Elanga says he does not know why he was replaced.
– I have no idea but for me it doesn’t matter. I just want the team to win. If I am replaced and another player comes in … As long as they can also do the job, it is important to me, says Elanga.
But you could have played the whole match?
– Absolutely. I have a lot of energy, but maybe we needed something new? I only care if we win. If we do not win, we are not satisfied.
Confederate captain Jon Dahl Tomasson explains his changes like this:
– They looked tired, and Slovenia came through a little too much on our right.
Isaac on the bench
One who got no playing time at all was Alexander Isak.
The attack star, who recently became ready for Liverpool in a record deal worth SEK 1.5 billion, remained on the bench the entire match.
– I had loved to have him, but he has trained three times with the team and not played in three months. The risk had been too great, says Jon Dahl Tomasson.
Hope and despair in Ljubljana
20:58
| Key Match Data | Statistic / Observation |
| :——————————————- | :————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- |
| Elanga’s Performance (First Half) | Widely considered the “best player on the pitch,” displaying significant offensive threat. |
| Elanga’s Substitution | Substituted in the 64th minute, a decision that surprised analysts and Elanga himself. |
| Tomasson’s Explanation | Cited player fatigue and defensive vulnerabilities on the right flank as reasons for the substitution. |
| Isak’s Unused Role | Remained on the bench due to limited training time after recovering from injury. |
| Ayari’s Impact | Scored a goal shortly after Elanga’s substitution, briefly putting the team ahead. |
| Final Score | Match ended in a 2-2 draw after a late goal by Slovenia.|
| Isak’s Training Status | Had only trained three times with the team in the last three months. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why was Anthony Elanga substituted during the match?
A: According to the coach, Jon Dahl Tomasson, the decision was due to player fatigue and perceived vulnerabilities on the right side of the defense. However, Elanga himself and some analysts were surprised by the substitution, given his strong performance in the first half.
Q: Was Alexander Isak fit to play?
A: While Isak was available, he didn’t play. Coach Tomasson cited Isak’s limited training with the team (only three sessions in the past three months) as a reason for keeping him on the bench,indicating a risk of re-injury or underperformance.
Q: How did the team’s performance change after Elanga’s substitution?
A: Shortly after Elanga was taken off, Yasin Ayari scored a crucial goal, putting the team ahead momentarily. However, the team ultimately conceded a late goal, resulting in a 2-2 draw.
Q: What was the overall sentiment regarding Elanga’s substitution by the media?
A: The decision was met with surprise and skepticism from the Viaplay studio commentators, including expert Fredrik Ljungberg, who felt Elanga was the team’s moast perilous player at the time.
Q: How did Elanga react to being substituted?
A: Elanga stated he wasn’t sure why he was replaced but emphasized his focus on the team’s success and the willingness to be replaced if it helped secure a win. He also indicated that he felt he had a lot of energy left.
Q: What impact did this match have on the team’s overall campaign?
A: While this article focuses on individual performances and tactical decisions within a single match, the 2-2 draw could be significant when analyzing the overall competition. It perhaps cost the team valuable points and could influence its standing. A extensive evaluation would require broader context.
