Robert Lewandowski strikes when Poland beats Sweden to book 2022 FIFA World Cup place
Robert Lewandowski struck a penalty in the second half when Poland booked their place in the World Cup finals with a 2-0 victory over Sweden in Tuesday’s finals. After a short tussle with the defender, Piotr Zielinski finally tucked the ball home. “We had a lot of problems before this game,” Lewandowski said.
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“Many of our players were injured, including me, I had problems with my knee,” he added, after sitting away from Thursday’s 1-1 draw against Scotland.
“We suffered, but now we can celebrate. I am proud and happy.”
Veteran Zlatan Ibrahimovic came on in the last 10 minutes for Sweden, but the 40-year-old striker could not influence the result and will miss a third appearance in a World Cup final.
“Everyone is disappointed – it’s normal to lose,” Ibrahimovic told TV4.
“Everyone wants to play in the World Cup, but unfortunately that will not happen.”
Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny played a key role in Poland’s victory with saves to deny Swedish player Emil Forsberg in both halves.
Poland goes to Friday’s draw of the group stage of the World Cup finals, from November 21 to December 18, after dominating the second half.
The Poles were awarded the decisive penalty shortly after half-time.
The attacking midfielder Sebastian Szymanski rolled in the ball to substitute Grzegorz Krychowiak, who was fouled by Jesper Karlström.
The referee had no doubts and he gave a penalty in favor of Lewandowski. The Bayern Munich ace relaxed his run, waited for Robin Olsen to move and hit the ball to the left of the Swedish goalkeeper.
It was his 75th goal for Poland and without a doubt one of his most important.
Zielinski put the result beyond doubt when he took advantage of a slip by Sweden defender Marcus Danielson and finished sprinting.
He fired his shot past Olsen with 18 minutes left to evoke wild celebration from the home crowd.
Only a superb save from Olsen denied Lewandowski a second goal when the Polish striker got a rare late chance in the area of the Swedish defense.
“Nothing went our way,” said Sweden’s coach Janne Andersson.
“But you have to make sure things go the way you want – you can not blame other circumstances.”
Ibrahimovic may have missed the World Cup, but refused to say if he will retire.
“I hope to continue as long as I am healthy and can contribute,” he added.
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