In a dramatic FIFA World Cup qualifier playoff final contest at the Strawberry Arena in Solna, Stockholm, a couple of nights ago, Sweden got the better of Poland to claim their spot in the World Cup to be held in June.
It was a scintillating encounter between a determined Sweden and a tenacious Poland as both teams fought tooth and nail for the big prize.
Anthony Elanga ensured a fine finish to a brilliant move from the Swedes in the 20th minute. But Poland fought back to equalise in the 33rd minute through Nicola Zalewski. But Sweden once again took the lead through a brilliant header from the tall Gustaf Lagerbielke in the 44th.
Poland, however, were not done yet and again fought back to bring the game back to an even keel, when Karol Swiderski scored in the 55th minute. The Poles were just not going away as Sweden staged a massive siege against their opponents. In the interim, Kristoffer Nordfeldt, Sweden’s goalkeeper, made a few crucial saves to deny Poland.
It was the Swedes’ persistence that culminated in the third goal just two minutes before the end of regulation time. Viktor Gyökeres showed tremendous composure and skill to control the ball and then shoot from just in front of the net in a hectic goalmouth scramble.
The goal led to wild celebrations in the Strawberry Arena, with a stunned Polish team looking on. The final whistle signalled Sweden’s ticket to America, while Poland had to go home with a heavy heart. Lewandowski, the Polish legend, lay crestfallen. His hopes of another World Cup journey had come to an end.
Sweden, in my opinion, was the better side and deserved to be in the finals. Gyökeres was the force behind their semifinal and final victories, with a superb display of composed, yet effective football.
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