Lewandowski sends Poland to the World Cup, Sweden misses | sports
CHORZOW, Poland (AP) – Poland is on its way to the World Cup – and of course Robert Lewandowski helped send his team there.
The prolific Bayern Munich striker converted a penalty in the 50th minute to put Poland on track for a 2-0 victory over Sweden on Tuesday in one of the European play-off finals for a place in this year’s tournament in Qatar.
Piotr Zieliński added the second goal in Chorzow for the Poles, who will compete in football’s biggest event for the second time in a row.
It may be the last chance for the 33-year-old Lewandowski, who took his number of goals for his country to a remarkable 75 in 129 games.
“It was really tough, this press,” Lewandowski said. “Although I have taken many penalties in my career, this was a difficult one.
“I knew so many people were looking at me at that moment … I knew this moment would matter so much. It was not easy to focus on the ball at that moment, but I managed to do it.”
As for Sweden’s own veteran striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, he will certainly not play in another World Cup.
The 40-year-old Ibrahimovic, not quite in shape after an Achilles tendon injury recently, came in as a substitute in the 80th minute but could not find the goals to take Sweden through the playoffs again. In 2018, Sweden beat Italy over two legs at this stage to qualify – without Ibrahimovic, who was then withdrawn from international football – but Poland had a decisive home advantage in a one-legged penalty shootout this time and had to pay off in Chorzow.
Asked if he would be seen again in Sweden’s national team, Ibrahimovic said: “I hope so. As long as I can stay healthy and play and contribute something, I hope so. ”
Lewandowski showed calm from the penalty spot and placed a finish in the lower corner after a stuttering run-up, moments after Jesper Karlström was judged to have bundled into half-time substitute Grzegorz Krychowiak.
Lewandowski said he played through the pain barrier.
“We’ve had a lot of problems before this game – a lot of our players were injured, including me. I had knee problems,” said Lewandowski.
“We suffered, but now we can celebrate. I am proud and happy.”
Zieliński’s goal came after a bad touch by Sweden’s midfielder Marcus Danielson, who failed to control a pass back to him. Zieliński ran uncontrollably and screwed a shot past goalkeeper Robin Olsen and just inside the post.
Sweden had to apologize for missed chances on either side of the half by Emil Forsberg, who had goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny close at hand.
“I am extremely disappointed,” said Sweden’s coach Janne Andersson. “This was a match we had within reach. We created chances but did not score.
“Nothing went our way tonight. But you have to make sure it goes your way. You can not blame other circumstances.”
More AP football: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, transmitted, rewritten or redistributed without permission.