Spain clinched their World Cup ticket on the last matchday in Group B In a largely uneventful “final “ against Sweden, a late goal from Morata made the difference.
Spain got off to the better start, but Sarabia, the Furia Roja’s winner in their 1-0 win in Greece, missed the only good opportunity (9th minute). Otherwise, the home side had a lot of possession in Sevilla, but could hardly make use of it. Dani Olmo – one of six new players in the starting eleven – was hardly dangerous, just like his compatriots.
Forsberg hits the post
RB Leipzig’s other player on the pitch, Forsberg, on the other hand, provided attractive scenes in first half. After a first good shot in minute 16, only the post prevented Sweden’s number 10 from scoring (39.).
After the 0:2 in Georgia Sweden started the second half without former star Ibrahimovic. Instead, the up-and-coming attacker Isak was on the pitch. In minute 48, the ex-Dortmund player could have made it 1:0, but after a mistake by Azpilicueta, he was too hasty and shot wide of the goal.
Keeper hardly challenged for a long time
Keyword goal: The goalkeepers hardly had to intervene after the change of ends, de Tomas only headed narrowly over for Spain (52.). Joker Morata shot at the outside of the net and missed the pass to the well-positioned Rodrigo Moreno (63rd). The tempo slowed down again after that.
Joker Ibrahimovic was also unable to provide Sweden with more penetrating power in the final phase. In the end, Morata, also a substitute, did better: He made a technically demanding save after Dani Olmo had failed to beat Olsen with a beautiful shot from distance (86th) – the winning goal.
Spain remained first and qualified for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Sweden, in second place, will have to play again in the play-offs at the end of March.
