Viktor Gyokeres netted a dramatic 88th-minute winner to send Sweden to the World Cup, as they edged Poland 3-2 in a thrilling qualification play-off in Stockholm.
The Arsenal striker — fresh from a hat-trick against Ukraine in the semi-final — was perfectly positioned to convert from close range after a goalmouth scramble late on, sealing victory after Poland had twice come from behind.
Daniel Svensson missed an early headed opportunity, but Sweden still took the lead in the 19th minute when Yasin Ayari’s clever backheel set up Anthony Elanga, who fired a powerful left-footed strike in off the underside of the crossbar.
Kristoffer Nordfeldt produced an excellent save to deny Karol Swiderski, though he could not stop Nicola Zalewski’s curling effort in the 33rd minute despite getting a hand to it.
Sweden regained the lead just before half-time as Gustaf Lagerbielke beat goalkeeper Kamil Grabara to Benjamin Nygren’s in-swinging free-kick and headed home, but Poland responded again.
Ten minutes after the restart, Jakub Kaminski flicked on Matty Cash’s cross, and Zalewski guided it into Swiderski’s path for an easy finish.
Poland pressed for a winner, but Victor Lindelof’s crucial clearance stopped a Sebastian Szymanski corner from sneaking in, and Sweden capitalised on that escape.
Lucas Bergvall saw his effort saved, Besfort Zeneli struck the post on the rebound, and Gyokeres finally finished the move to secure Sweden’s place in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia.
Data Debrief: Sweden earn revenge as Gyokeres comes up clutch
Sweden, who have featured in just one of the last four World Cups, secured qualification by overcoming the same opponent who denied them a place at Qatar 2022.
After losing to Poland in the previous play-offs, Sweden turned the tables this time, with Gyokeres delivering when it mattered most.
He had failed to score in four group-stage qualifiers as Sweden finished bottom of Group B without a win, but responded with four goals across two play-off matches to drive his team — and coach Graham Potter — to the World Cup.
Despite registering fewer shots (nine to Poland’s 15), Sweden created better chances, winning the expected goals (xG) battle 1.71 to 0.97.
Gyokeres managed just one attempt all game, but it carried an xG of 0.71 as he powered past Przemyslaw Wisniewski before finishing, sparking wild celebrations and sealing qualification even without injured stars Alexander Isak and Dejan Kulusevski.
