1-0. Quaison launches Sweden in extra time

Sports Writing, 24 Mar Sweden will play a place for Qatar 2022 against Poland next Tuesday, after beating the Czech Republic with suffering in extra time, with a goal by Robin Quaison (1-0), in one of the semifinals of the European Repechage. In a lively and even match but without great opportunities, Sweden asserted its local status and its superiority in the overtime to take another step towards the World Cup. The first half did not lack rhythm, but it did lack clear occasions. Sweden had more ball, which hooked some good combinations up among its most talented men, but the Czech Republic did not snatch, which came out a thousand an hour towards the opponent's goal every time it stole in the middle. The Swedes warned in a corner shot by Isak and a deflected shot by Kuluseksvi; the Czechs were afraid of set-pieces and centre-back Nilsson prevented the shot to the edge of Hlozek's small area, although he almost scored on his own goal. A shot that was diverted to a corner near the Forsberg pole, after a personal move, closed 45 minutes animated but without real danger. The Czechs missed striker Schick, one of the sensations of the last Euro Cup; the Swedes, without their starting backs and central Danielson on the right, could not count on the incombustible Ibrahimovic, who was sanctioned either. The match went down one march after passing through the locker room. It took almost a quarter of an hour until there was news in attack, with a very deviant header from Soucek in a clear position. Sweden, meanwhile, was beginning to show signs of a certain fragility with three fast yellows. And he lost left back Martin Olsson to injury. Andersson also took the opportunity to spice up Quaison and delay Kulusevski, who had been touched minutes earlier by a head-clash with a rival, right inside, looking for him to create danger between the lines. The match was increasingly close, although Sweden began to tighten more after a hesitant start. Svanberg had it in a frank header but it was very focused, easy for Vaclik. The Czechs responded with a good counter ill-defined by Kuchta. Much worse was Havel, who in the discount finished horrible volley with the left hand in front of Olsen a good Czech play that could have settled the match. Sweden had another start at the start of the overtime. A great center of Kulusevski, the best of his team, was spoiled by Quaison, somewhat cornered, who instead of heading to door, tried a drop that cleared the Czech backward, increasingly demanded by his rival. The departure of midfielder Karlström gave air to the Swedes, who in a play started by him made 1-0, with a good combination between Isak and Quaison, culminated by him. Andersson removed the Real Sociedad striker for Helander, a central defender, and made Elanga debut. The message was clear: hold on and wait if Manchester United's young talent would close the match in a counterattack. But Sweden was not overwhelmed by a dedicated and exhausted rival, and the ticket to the World Cup will be played in Poland. Technical sheet: 1 - Sweden: Olsen; Danielson, Nilsson, Lindelöf, Martin Olsson (Bengtsson, No. 61); Claesson (Quaison, No. 61), Kristopher Olsson (Karlström, No. 107), Ekdal (Svanberg, No. 72), Forsberg (Elanga, m.115); Kulusevski, Isak (Helak (Helak) Ander, m.115). 0 - Czech Republic: Vaclik; Zima, Brabec (Krejci, m.90), Holes, Sadilek (Sykora, m.90); Barak, Soucek; Masopust (Havel, m.76), Hlozek, Jankto (Mateju, m.76); Kuchta (Pekhart, m.83). Goal: 1-0, m.110: Quaison. Referee: Michael Oliver (England). Nilsson (m.46), Claesson (m.52), Ekdal (m.60), Kristoffer Olsson (m.103), Karlström (m.114); for the Czech Republic, Holnes (m.68), Zima (m.71), Soucek (m.85), Mateju (m.90). Incidents: Route B match of the play-off for the Qatar 2022 World Cup played at the Friends Arena in Solna (Stockholm).