Robert Lewandowski sends Poland to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

Poland clinched qualification to the FIFA World Cup Finals with a 2-0 victory over Sweden in the play-off final.

Photo Credit: John Botos PROJECT PLUS

Poland were runners-up to England in Group I and were given a bye to the play-off final when their opponents, Russia, were suspended from international competition following their military invasion of Ukraine in February. Sweden had come second behind Spain in Group B and then defeated the Czech Republic 1-0 to set up this Path B play-off final in Chorzow, Poland.

The opening minutes were competed cautiously, however there was plenty of strong play from both sides as the nervous Swedes gradually improved as the match progressed in front of a 54,078 sell-out crowd. Emil Forsberg was close to giving the away team the lead in the 19th minute when Wojciech Szczesny did well to push the ball safely away for a corner, the first of a number of quality saves from the Polish number one.

The game was extremely tight, with both teams creating good chances in an electrifying play-off encounter. The game played in heavy, driving rain was evenly balanced in the first 45 minutes. The versatile Dejan Kulusevski had two good chances as Poland tried hard to find an opening.

Just before the interval, the match was briefly paused for a moment owing to a lights malfunction at the Silesian Stadium. Fortunately, after a short recess the match was resumed by Italian Referee Daniele Orsato.

Five minutes into the second half, all-time Poland top scorer Robert Lewandowski stepped up and scored from the penalty spot after Jesper Karlström’s awkward challenge on the substitute Grzegorz Krychowiak was penalised. The Bayern striker sent Swedish keeper Robin Olsen the wrong way while calmly slotting home his 75th goal for his country.

Photo Credit: John Botos PROJECT PLUS

Sweden, who enjoyed the majority of possession, had more attacks and a superior total of attempts on goal but were time and time again thwarted by the reliable Szczesny in goal for the Poles. Sweden were made to rue their missed chances when confusion between Marcus Danielson and Kristoffer Olsson created the opportunity in the 73rd minute for Piotr Zielinski to secure the second Polish goal as he curled the ball sweetly into the net at the near post.

With just ten minutes remaining Coach Jan Andersson brought the 40-year-old AC Milan forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic off the bench, however the record goal-scorer made little impact as the Polish defence held firm to secure their place at the World Cup finals in Qatar.