MONTERREY, Mexico (AP) — After he scored the first goal. Sweden beat Tunisia 5-1 Yassin Ayari chose not to celebrate at the World Cup on Sunday night. Instead, he held up his hand and apologized.
This gesture was a way of paying homage to his heritage.
Ayali, 22, was born in Solna, Sweden to a Tunisian father, Azouz Ayali.
Ayali, who represented Sweden at youth level, was offered the opportunity to switch allegiance and play for Tunisia ahead of the 2022 World Cup, but he declined.
Asked about his son’s choice to represent Sweden, Azouz Ayari told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet earlier this year that he agreed with the decision.
“No, I wanted him to play for Sweden,” Azouz Ayari said. “I’m sure he feels like he’s giving back to the country that took care of him.”
On Saturday, Tunisia coach Sabri Lamouchi also offered his support to Ayali.
“I know him and his brother,” Ramouchi said. “He made a decision. I have a lot of respect for him and he’s a very good player. After the game we wish him the best, but that’s after the game.”
In the final seconds, Ayari scored the second goal with a long shot into the left corner. He celebrated even more enthusiastically as he slid to his knees toward the Swedish fans behind the goal, cupping his ears with his hands.
Fans certainly believe he made the right decision.
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Maya Calder Ramirez is a student at the University of Georgia’s Carmical Sports Media Institute.
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AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup
