Michael O'Neill has said the result was unfair for his young Northern Ireland side after suffering a heavy 5-1 defeat in a friendly in Sweden.
The visitors were still in the game after the first hour against a strong opponent and created several good chances.
However, Sweden converted five of their six shots on target, while Ruairi McConville missed two excellent headers, Shea Charles had to punish Viktor Johansson for a mistake and George Saville forced the home goalkeeper into a superb save.
Instead, goals came from Emil Holm, set up by Alexander Isak who burst through the box, Benjamin Nygren, Ken Sema, Isak and Anthony Elanga to leave Northern Ireland 5-0 down before Isaac Price scored a deflected effort in the final minute.
“Of course we didn't come here for a result like today, but we knew it was going to be a tough game,” O'Neill said.
“I thought maybe the 2-0 scoreline was a bit unfair in our favour at the break and the third goal was an unnecessary goal we conceded from a set piece.
“But honestly, the team spirit was great. They never stopped trying to play. It was a tough night, but that's why we chose this game.
“I think the 5-1 result might seem a bit harsh on us but ultimately we gave them chances and at this level they punish mistakes.
“It was a bad run by Isak for the first goal. It was a good run, but it shouldn't have caught us off guard. We should have seen the second goal coming.
“But we are asking a lot of young players who are not playing every week at their clubs. They are not exposed to the same level and quality of players.”
O'Neill's side's next plans include friendlies against Iceland and Denmark in June, before World Cup qualifying kicks off in September against Germany, Luxembourg and Slovakia.
“There is always something to learn in international football. Our squad is made up of players from the Championship and League One,” O'Neill added.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
