Gyökeres at it again, 'grabs' World Cup! Ex-Sporting hero for Sweden | OneFootball

Sweden secured their place at the 2026 World Cup after a thrilling 3-2 home win over Poland. The victory was sealed by a goal from Viktor Gyökeres - who had also been the hero in the previous match - in the 88th minute, which guaranteed qualification for the Scandinavian side.

With Bednarek and Kiwior starting for Poland and Braga’s Lagerbielke in the Swedish defence, the game began evenly. Sweden set up more conservatively, with a back five (and at times six), leaving the former Sporting player far too isolated up front. But the first time Graham Potter’s side Graham Potter found space between the lines, in the 19th minute, Elanga struck hard with his left foot after a backheel pass from Ayari.

From then on, it was all Poland. Playing more attractive and coordinated football, they began creating one dangerous chance after another, forcing Nordfeldt into a string of impressive saves. But the goalkeeper was unable to stop Zalewski’s effort in the 33rd minute, which took a slight touch off an opposing player and caused a delayed reaction, though in other circumstances he might have done better.

And somewhat against the run of play, in the 44th minute, following an unnecessary foul by Kiwior on Elanga near the touchline, Nygren whipped in the free-kick with his left foot from the right side for Lagerbielke’s header, as he beat the Poland goalkeeper to the ball.

Needing to score, Poland took more risks, although without the same quality they had shown in the first half. But after an excellent team move involving two switches of play, the deserved 2-2 came in the 55th minute, with Swiderski finding the net.

With that in mind, Graham Potter decided to take a few more risks late on, bringing more support for Viktor Gyökeres, who until then had spent much of the match merely watching play unfold and being very well marked by Bednarek. And after a persistent attacking move, with several shots, one of them off the post, luck mixed with his instinct for victory, the ball and fortune fell to the feet of the former Sporting striker for one of the most important goals of the career of the marksman who shone at Alvalade.

With this result, Sweden join the 48 national teams set to compete in the 23rd edition of the World Cup, between 11 June and 19 July 2026. Graham Potter’s side will therefore be part of Group F, alongside the Netherlands, Tunisia and Japan.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.