Berlin [Germany], April 1: Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres scored an 88th-minute winner as Sweden beat Poland 3-2 to qualify for the World Cup on Tuesday, with Turkiye also through for the first timne in 24 years from a 1-0 in Kosovo.
Sweden had failed to register a win in their six regular qualifying matches but reached the play-offs by virtue of their Nations League results, winning 3-1 against Ukraine last week to set up the duel with Poland in a rematch of their 2022 duel Poland had won.
Sweden led twice in Solna, from Anthony Elanga and Gustav Lagerbielke but Poland hit back on each occasion, from Nikola Zalewski and Karol Swiderski.
However, with extra-time looming, Gyokeres smashed into the roof of the net after Lucas Bergvall had a shot saved and Besfort Zeneli hit the post.
In Pristina, Kosovo came close shortly before the half-hour mark but Turkiye goalkeeper Ugurcan Çakır pushed a long range ball from Fisnik Asllani against the crossbar.
Turkiye scored in the 53rd from Kerem Akturkoglu who put the finishing touch on an attempt from Orkun Kokcu. The goal gave them confidence and they held on reach the World Cup for the first time since 2002 when they reached the semi-finals.
The other play-off finals in Europe on Tuesday, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Italy were locked 1-1 at full time, and Czech Republic vs Denmark were also 1-1 at full time and engaged in extra time while going to press.
England lose against Japan in last game before naming World Cup squad
England's final match on home soil before the World Cup ended in a first ever defeat to Asian opposition as Thomas Tuchel's side stumbled to 1-0 loss to Japan on Tuesday.
There were a handful of boos from those left inside what had been a sold-out Wembley Stadium after a largely lifeless display compounded Friday's stop-start 1-1 draw with physical Uruguay.
The defeat was Tuchel's second since taking charge last year and decided by Kaoru Mitoma's fine first-half finish at the end of a well-worked move started by dispossessing Cole Palmer.
Source: Qatar Tribune