Gabriel Gudmundsson seals World Cup place as Switzerland explain Noah Okafor absence | OneFootball

Leeds United defender Gabriel Gudmundsson will be at the World Cup this summer after Sweden beat Poland 3-2 in Tuesday’s play-off final. According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, the left-back shook off a knock from Ukraine to start and play 90 minutes for Graham Potter’s side.

He set up the opener, drilling low for Yasin Ayari whose touch teed up Anthony Elanga to score on 19 minutes. Nicola Zalewski equalised, then Gustaf Lagerbielke restored Sweden’s lead just before half-time.

Karol Swiderski levelled 10 minutes after the restart and extra-time loomed. Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres struck on 88 minutes to seal Sweden’s place in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Elsewhere, Noah Okafor was absent as Switzerland drew 0-0 in Norway, having also missed last week’s defeat to Germany amid reports of a training-ground knock. It was explained that both Okafor and Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka were returning from injury and left out as a precaution after consultation between players and staff.

Ao Tanaka came on for 16 minutes at Wembley as Japan beat a dismal England 1-0, with Brighton winger Karou Mitoma finishing a superb first-half counter. Thomas Tuchel watched his side stall in attack.

Joe Rodon and Karl Darlow completed 90 minutes in Wales’ 1-1 draw with Northern Ireland. Ethan Ampadu and Daniel James were used off the bench.

Jaka Bijol captained Slovenia and played the full match in a 3-2 win over Montenegro. Brenden Aaronson featured late, 10 minutes off the bench, as the USA lost 2-0 at home to Portugal.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk