Sweden 3–2 Poland: Gyökeres’ Late Winner Sends Sweden to the World Cup

Sweden clinched an emphatic late winner courtesy of Viktor Gyökeres in the 88th minute to seal qualification for the World Cup.

The hosts got off to a fast start, with a curling effort into the top left corner from outside the box by Anthony Elanga, following a sumptuous flick from Yasin Ayari.

Having not qualified for a World Cup since the 2018 tournament in Russia, the late winner proved even more precious in front of the home crowd at Strawberry Arena in Solna.

Poland responded immediately with a close-range volley from Karol Świderski, which was well parried by Sweden goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt.

The visitors grew into the game, with Piotr Zieliński dictating the tempo from midfield.

That pressure paid off as Poland levelled the score through Nicola Zalewski, who calmly slotted home after receiving the ball from Zieliński on the left wing.

Poland began to take control of the first half, enjoying 61% possession and quietening the home crowd with their dominance both on the ball and in attack.

However, Sweden responded before the break when Gustaf Lagerbielke rose highest to head home a cross from Benjamin Nygren from a wide free-kick, awarded after a foul by Jakub Kiwior.

Despite heading into the second half with a narrow lead, Poland again started brightly and equalised in the 55th minute, with Świderski tapping into an open net.

The game then became cagey, with Sweden led by Graham Potter attempting to exploit Poland on the counter through Elanga’s pace and Gyökeres’ hold-up play.

Poland looked to involve Robert Lewandowski, but his night proved frustrating, with two efforts failing to hit the target.

In search of control, Potter introduced Lucas Bergvall in the 69th minute.

The young midfielder proved pivotal, bringing energy and dynamism that helped swing momentum back in Sweden’s favour. His effort sparked a goalmouth scramble that eventually fell to Gyökeres, who tapped home to send the stadium into raptures.

Poland will feel this was an opportunity missed after dominating large spells, especially with Lewandowski nearing the latter stages of his career.

The result confirms Sweden’s return to the World Cup, with Potter’s side now looking ahead with renewed belief and a new generation of talent led by Bergvall.