Viktor Gökeres scored the profitable purpose within the 88th minute as Sweden defeated Poland 3-2 in a back-and-forth qualifying play-off in Stockholm, sending Sweden into the World Cup.
The Arsenal striker, who scored a hat-trick in Sweden’s semi-final victory over Ukraine final week, was within the good place to finish the scramble for the goalmouth as further time loomed after Poland twice got here from behind in an exciting encounter.
Daniel Svensson didn’t capitalize on an early heading alternative, however Sweden nonetheless discovered the again of the web within the nineteenth minute when Yassin Ayari’s excellent backheel led Anthony Elanga to fireplace a pointy left-footed shot that hit the underside of the crossbar.
Kristofer Nordfeldt made a terrific save to disclaim Karol Swiderski, however the Swedish goalkeeper was unable to maintain out Nikola Zalewski’s roller within the thirty third minute, regardless of getting his palms on the ball low on the left.
Sweden regained the benefit simply earlier than half-time when Gustav Lagerbjelke beat Polish goalkeeper Kamil Grabala residence with Benjamin Nygren’s inswinging free-kick, however the guests fought again once more.
Ten minutes into the second half, Jakub Kaminski flicked a Matty Money middle ball towards the far submit, and Zalewski smashed it into the trail of Swiderski for a easy end.
Poland pushed exhausting for the winner, however Viktor Lindelof’s ultimate clearance and Sebastian Szymanski’s nook didn’t flip in till the tip, giving the visiting nation the lead for the primary time and permitting Sweden to make its reprieve depend.
Lukas Bergvall’s shot was properly saved and Bestfort Zenelli’s comply with went off the within of the submit, nevertheless it was third time fortunate for the hosts as Gokeres booked their place in Group F of the World Cup alongside the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia.
Knowledge report: Gökeres catches up, Sweden will get revenge
Sweden has solely certified for one of many previous 4 World Cups, however earned a ticket to North America by defeating an opponent who refused to go to Qatar.
Though they had been the losers within the play-off towards Poland forward of the 2022 event, Sweden will not be dominated out this time both, as Gökeres stepped up in key moments.
Gökeres failed to attain in 4 matches performed in Sweden’s World Cup qualifying group and completed backside of Group B with out profitable a match.
Nevertheless, he scored 4 targets in two play-off video games, serving to Sweden and former Chelsea head coach Graham Potter qualify for the World Cup.
And it was a victory that Potter’s crew would really feel virtually deserved given the steadiness of play.
Sweden had simply 9 pictures on course in comparison with Poland’s 15, with 5 on course in comparison with their opponents’ seven. Nevertheless, Sweden created higher possibilities, profitable the anticipated targets (xG) battle by 1.71 to 0.97.
Gökeres solely had one shot all sport, however his equalizer had an xG worth of 0.71, higher than Przemysław Wisniewski, and sparked wild celebrations afterward. Sweden certified with out injured star gamers Alexander Isak and Dejan Kulusevski.
