Sweden book World Cup berth

Viktor Gyokeres scored a dramatic 88th-minute winner as Sweden overcame Poland 3-2 in their play-off final to reach this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

 

Poland twice came from behind, but Gyokeres smashed into an empty net after Besfort Zeneli’s shot had come back off the post to spark joyous scenes in Stockholm.

 

Newcastle winger Anthony Elanga had put the hosts in front with a superb finish, clipping the bar on the way in, after being teed up by Yasin Ayari’s clever flick.

 

The lead lasted just 13 minutes before Nicola Zalewski curled in a shot from the edge of the box for Poland.

 

Sweden goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt may feel he could have done better, but more than made up for it with a number of smart saves in the first half.

 

Sweden were back in front just before half-time as centre-back Gustaf Lagerbielke powerfully headed home from Benjamin Nygren’s free-kick.

 

But Poland fought back again with Karol Swiderski tapping in from close range after Zalewski had stolen in around the back to put the ball back across goal.

 

The visitors seemed the more likely to snatch it for much of the second half, before a late Sweden rally that ultimately led to Gyokeres’ moment of glory.

 

Victory also meant Sweden gained revenge having been beaten by Poland in the World Cup qualifying play-off final four years ago.

 

(BBC)