World Cup qualifiers: Spain 1-0 Sweden – Goals and highlights – World Cup qualifiers 2022
hrshello everyone and welcome to this Spain vs Sweden liveblogg. It is a battle between two sides who want to finish top in World Cup qualifying group B. Spain is one point ahead Sweden in the group standings, so must avoid defeat to book their place in Qatar 2022.
We will have updates from Seville Olympic Stadium in this live blog, so join us this Sunday night.
Spain vs Sweden Final score – 1-0
This is the very beginning of ours Spain vs Sweden live blog, with the posts closest to the top the latest. We will have build news and then minute by minute updates as well.
Full time: Spain 1-0 Sweden
It was not the best spectacle, but Spain has done enough to get to the World Cup in Qatar next year. Morata’s only goal in his 50th match for Spain was the winner, and means that Sweden must go through the playoffs if they are to get to the World Cup.
Minute 86 – MEASURE SPAIN!
Alvaro Morata breaks the deadlock and gives the home team the lead. A thunderous shot from Olmo is tipped into the crossbar by Olsen, but the ball bounces out in the way of Morata and he slams home. Relief for Spain. Sweden needs two goals otherwise it is the playoffs.
Minute 80 – Time is running out
Sweden needs a goal and they have 10 minutes to find one. Zlatan’s introduction has changed the attacking drive with Spain, which seems more anxious to sit back. It’s tense in Seville.
Minute 74 – Zlatan is here
We have been waiting for three quarters of the match, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic is presented during the last 15 minutes to an applause from the Spanish audience. Can he make a difference and give Sweden a vital goal?
Minute 65 – Goalkeepers who have nothing to do
So far, none of the goalkeepers have had to make a significant save. Svanberg tried an overhead kick outside the penalty area, and it is close, but over the crossbar. Morata is also on for his 50th international for Spain.
Minute 55 – Sweden arrives
Two more chances for Sweden. Another falls for Forsberg who can not time his volley while Augustinsson hits the crossbar. Spain themselves went close through De Tomas when his nodded nod went over goal.
Minute 46 – Second half in progress
Almost immediately after the restart, Isak puts a brilliant chance over the crossbar. A mistake on the back from Azpilicueta donates the ball to Sweden, and Spain is lucky to be even.
Half time: Spain 0-0 Sweden
Spain has dominated the ball, but it is Sweden who has had the better chances, both fallen against Forsberg. Spain will need to find some creativity in the last third if they are to break down the resolute Swedish back line. Remember that if Sweden wins, they will top the group.
Minute 39 – Forsberg close again!
This time, a post from the left Forsberg gets free at the back post, and unmarked Swede volleys towards goal, but it goes just outside. Another departure to Spain. Sweden is growing into the match now.
Minute 30 – No shots on goal
Neither side has managed to get a shot on goal during the initial half hour. However, it is Sweden that has come closest, despite Spain’s superior possession.
Minute 22 – No clear chances
Gavi has looked good in the first minutes of the match and completed all 43 of his attempts. His persistence helped to win the ball for Dani Olmo to get a shot, but it was rejected over the crossbar.
Minute 16 – Forsberg close!
Sweden scared Spain when the defense parted for Forsberg and the midfielder got a chance from the edge of the area, but it is only next door. A break for Spain.
Minute 10 – Spain dominates
As you might expect, Spain has plenty of ball. In fact, Sweden has only had 18 percent ball possession during the first 10 minutes. De Tomas played in Sarabia who came close with their effort.
19:45 GMT: Kick off!
The match is taking place in Seville. We will know the winners of Group B in just under two hours, with a place in Qatar 2022 at stake.
A more familiar Raul De Tomas
After causing a bit of a stir by wearing the shirt no. 6 against Greece, traditionalists will be happy to see that Raul De Tomas will have No. 11 on his back when Spain host Sweden tonight.
Spain vs Sweden: Official lineups
Luis Enrique has chosen Raul De Tomas to lead La Roja’s attacking line against Sweden, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been left out for the guests, where Dejan Kulusevski and Alexander Isak will start instead.
Spain XI: Simon; Azpilicueta, Laporte, Pau Torres, Alba; Gavi, Busquets, Soler; Sarabia, De Tomas, Dani Olmo.
Sweden XI: Olsen; Krafth, Nilsson, Lindelof, Augustinsson; Kulusevski, Ekdal, Olsson, Forsberg; Isaac, Claesson.
18:45 GMT: Sweden knows how to upset the giants
Sweden hopes to destroy another great nation’s hope of qualifying for the World Cup on Sunday as the visitors, after being the side that prevented Italy from reaching the World Cup 2018 back at the Stadio San Siro at the end of 2017. They have proved to be a stubborn side to face, and La Roja will have to be the best.
17:30 GMT: What was the result when Spain last played against Sweden?
Sweden went against La Roja when the two met in Stockholm’s Friends Arena in the fourth match in this World Cup qualifying group in September, despite Spain taking an early lead. Then Carlos Soler scored after four minutes but Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak equalized immediately and Viktor Claesson won in the second half for Sweden, despite the hosts only having 25 percent of the ball. A similar result tonight would send Spain to the playoffs.
16:10 GMT: What are Spain vs Sweden’s predicted lineups?
Luis Enrique has had enough injury problems ahead of this match against Sweden, where Eric Garcia, Ansu Fati and Yeremi Pino all have to withdraw from the original squad, but Barcelona’s Gavi should be in shape to start.
Sweden will hope that veteran striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic can make an impact, and he had already scored 10 goals for his country before Gavi was even born in 2004.
Spain probably XI: Simon; Carvajal, Laporte, Martinez, Gaya; Gavi, Busquets, Koke; Sarabia, Morata, Olmo.
Sweden probably XI: Olsen; Krafth, Lindelof, Nilsson, Augustinsson; Kulusevski, Ekdal, Kristoffer Olsson, Forsberg; Isaac, Ibrahimovic.
15:30 GMT: When does Spain vs Sweden start and where can you see it?
Sunday’s decisive World Cup qualifier between Spain and Sweden starts at 19:45 GMT, with Luis Enriques La Roja hosting the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville. For those watching the UK, you can listen to the Sky Sports Premier League from 19:45 GMT. In the USA you can watch the match live on ESPN3 or TUDN USA.