In the play-off final, the Portuguese easily defeated Italy’s conquerors North Macedonia 2-0. Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes scored both goals (32nd, 65th). Poland also defeated Sweden 2-0. Goals from Robert Lewandowski (50th/penalty) and Piotr Zielinski (72nd) gave the more efficient Poles their fourth participation in a major tournament in a row.
The European Union’s 13th and last ticket to the finals, which will take place from 21 November to 18 December, will only be awarded in June. Austria-conqueror Wales then meets the winner between Scotland and Ukraine. After the outbreak of war in Ukraine, the game was postponed.
Portugal had been warned by North Macedonia’s late 1-0 lead in Palermo. In the sold-out Estadio do Dragao, Austria’s EM opponents again performed well, above all the “foxes” almost completely neutralized the favorites for half an hour. But then captain Stefan Ristovski crossed the ball straight into the feet of Bruno Fernandes, who shot in after a one-two with Ronaldo (32′).
Fernandes, at times badly criticized at his club Manchester United, had one of his better days. 65 minutes: Portugal counterattack: Fernandes took over a cross from Diogo Jota with a spectacular volley, and the ball went in to make it 2-0. The 2016 European champion did not show any weaknesses.
In Chorzow, the quotas had been distributed more evenly beforehand. Poland had a bye due to the exclusion of Russia in the semi-finals, Sweden was up 1-0 against the Czech Republic after an exhausting 120 minutes.
In the match, which was balanced as predicted and without many scenes in the penalty area, the guests were initially the slightly better team. A penalty converted confidently by Bayern star Robert Lewandowski put Poland on the road to victory (50th). Substitute Grzegorz Krychowiak was violently brought down by Jesper Karlström.
Sweden fought back and found great chances, but the Poles were more efficient. Zielinski won the ball against Marcus Danielsson and made it 2-0 (72′) with a well-placed shot. The mental low blow was there, the Swedes, who were more talented overall, could no longer manage the turnaround, even with Zlatan Ibrahimovic (from 79th). The veteran star (40) remains without a World Cup goal in his dazzling career.
Source: Nachrichten
