Robert Lewandowski scored from the penalty spot as Poland beat Sweden 2-0 to book their place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Sweden had earned their spot n the play-off final with an extra-time win over the Czech Republic, while Poland were given a bye after Russia were thrown out of qualifying by UEFA.
It was no surprise to see Lewandowski open the scoring shortly after the break and when Piotr Zielinski doubled the lead, the home fans in Chorzow could start to celebrate and look forward to November.
It might be the last opportunity at a World Cup for the 33-year-old Lewandowski, who took his tally of goals for his country to a remarkable 75 in 129 appearances.
As for Sweden’s own veteran striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, he has likely missed out on his final opportunity to appear on football’s biggest stage.
The 40-year-old, not fully fit after a recent Achilles tendon injury, came on as an 80th-minute substitute but couldn’t find the goals to get Sweden through the playoffs again.
Lewandowski showed composure from the penalty spot to place a finish into the bottom corner after a stuttering run-up, moments after Jesper Karlstrom was adjudged to have bundled into halftime substitute Grzegorz Krychowiak.
Zielinski’s goal came after a poor touch by Sweden centre-back Marcus Danielson, who failed to control a pass back to him. Zielinski ran through unchecked and curled a shot past goalkeeper Robin Olsen and just inside the post.
It will just be Poland’s fourth appearance at a World Cup since 1986 - they have failed to make it out of their group in those three appearance in that period. The draw for the tournament takes place on Friday.
