Sweden secured a place in the World Cup in the USA, according to official sources, after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Poland on Tuesday. Poland had a gameplay advantage, but Sweden won in the end with a late decisive goal, multiple reports indicate. The exact circumstances of that decisive goal remain unclear.
Viktor Gyökeres was the big hero, according to multiple reports. Anthony Elanga gave Sweden the lead via a dream goal, and Gustaf Lagerbielke headed in 2-1 shortly before halftime, multiple reports indicate. Sweden had only earned one point after four World Cup qualifying matches when Jon Dahl Tomasson was fired, according to major media reports.
Graham Potter took over as national team coach, according to major media. Under Potter, Sweden lost to Switzerland and drew with Slovenia in the last two qualifying matches, according to major media. Sweden secured a playoff spot thanks to their success in the Nations League, according to major media.
Sweden won 3-1 against Ukraine in the semifinal, which was played in Valencia, according to major media. Jesper Karlström received an unreal yellow card against Poland, according to other sources. The yellow card led to Karlström being substituted and suffering before the total euphoria, according to other sources.
Four years ago, Sweden lost to Poland in a playoff final for a World Cup spot, where Karlström caused a penalty, according to other sources. Karlström was substituted in the second half because he received a yellow card, according to other sources. Karlström tackled down Robert Lewandowski, according to other sources.
Poland's national team coach Jan Urban is deeply disappointed about missing the upcoming championship, according to major media. Captain Victor Nilsson Lindelöf had his arguments and duels with the Polish forward Lewandowski, according to major media. The victory marks a significant turnaround for Sweden, who overcame early struggles to clinch their World Cup berth in a thrilling finale.