Viktor Gyökeres strikes late to send Sweden to World Cup

Stockholm. Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres scored a decisive late goal to stun Poland 3–2, securing Sweden's place in the World Cup. Gyökeres' 88th-minute strike in the thrilling play-off final in Stockholm confirmed Sweden's journey to the tournament.

Gyökeres, who scored a hat-trick in the semi-final against Ukraine last week, continued his fine form against Poland. He found the back of the net just as the match appeared headed for extra time. Although Poland twice fought back from a deficit to level the score, they were unable to avoid defeat.

Anthony Elanga gave Sweden the lead in the 19th minute following an excellent backheel pass from Yasin Ayari. However, Nicola Zalewski equalized for Poland with a brilliant goal in the 33rd minute. Gustaf Lagerbielke restored Sweden's 2–1 lead just before halftime, heading home from a Benjamin Nygren free-kick.

Karol Świderski leveled the match at 2–2 in the 55th minute, converting a pass from Zalewski. Despite sustained pressure from Poland, Victor Lindelöf cleared the ball off the goal line to save Sweden. Late in the game, efforts from Lucas Bergvall and Besfort Zeneli were denied by the Polish goalkeeper and the woodwork, but Gyökeres capitalized on his opportunity.

With this victory, Sweden has avenged their defeat to Poland in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. Under the leadership of former Chelsea manager Graham Potter, Sweden will now compete in Group 'F' of the World Cup alongside the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia.