Sweden and Poland draw 2-2 in the World Cup play-off with a goal validated by VAR in the 55th minuteBy Janderson Luiz
5 min read
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Sweden and Polônia star in a balanced duel in the final repechage of the European qualifiers for the 2026 Mundo Copa. The match played at Strawberry Arena in Solna has a score of 2-2 at the moment, with the second half underway. Referee Slavko Vincic validated the goal from Karol Swiderski to Polônia after consulting the VAR, maintaining equality on the scoreboard.
Suécia took the lead with Anthony Elanga in the 19th minute after a pass from Yasin Ayari. Polônia responded with Nicola Zalewski in the 33rd minute with a shot from outside the area. Antes from half-time, Gustaf Lagerbielke put the home team back in front in the 44th minute with a precise header from a free kick.
- The Swedish team applied pressure at the beginning with quick exchanges of passes.
- Poland grew in the match and explored spaces on the sides of the field.
- Kristoffer Nordfeldt defenses prevented goals with dangerous shots.
Controversial moves mark the first half
Referee Slavko Vincic gave a yellow card to Jakub Kiwior from Polônia after a harsh tackle in the 43rd minute. Suécia took the free kick with precision and found Lagerbielke free in the small area. The defender rose high and headed the ball into the right corner of the goal defended by Kamil Grabara, changing the score to 2-1.
Several requests for a penalty arose during the initial stage, especially after a move involving Jakub Kaminski. The Polish players surrounded the referee, but the decision was to continue the game without a penalty being awarded. The teams exchanged possession with intensity, but were unable to turn the chances into additional goals before the break.
Polish reaction changes the outlook of the match
Polônia returned from the break with greater offensive volume and created clear opportunities. Aos 50 minutes in, the offside flag canceled out Nicola Zalewski’s advance. Pouco later, Karol Swiderski received an assist from Zalewski and pushed it into an empty goal, leaving the score at 2-2 after 55 minutes.
Slavko Vincic stopped the game to review the move by VAR, checking for possible offside at the origin of the play. Após analysis, the referee confirmed the validity of the goal and the match continued with a draw. Robert Lewandowski tried to expand with a medium-range shot, but the ball went over the crossbar.
Defenses and interruptions define the rhythm of the second half
Suécia responded with good defensive organization and avoided dangers in corners taken by Polônia. Kristoffer Nordfeldt made an important save in a shot from Jakub Kaminski in the first half. The Swedish team also saw Carl Starfelt receive medical attention after a shock, but the player remained on the field.
Poland insisted on plays on the flanks and explored crosses, but the opposing defense was attentive in most of the actions. The referee added two minutes of extra time in the first half, without enough time for further changes to the score. The second half continues with both teams looking for spaces to define the confrontation.
Lineup details and context of the duel
The teams entered the field with balanced formations, prioritizing compact marking and quick transitions. Polônia featured highlights such as Lewandowski, Zielinski and Zalewski in creating plays. Suécia bet on Elanga, Ayari and Lagerbielke to explore speed and aerial balls.
The game takes place at a high pace from the first minutes, with Polônia exchanging short passes to open up the Swedish defense. Escanteios and lateral free kicks generated several opportunities, but the shots were not always accurate. Slavko Vincic refereeing maintains control, with quick decisions on split bids.
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Chronology of the main moves to date
- In the 19th minute, Anthony Elanga opened the scoring for Suécia with a precise shot after an assist from Yasin Ayari.
- In the 33rd minute, Nicola Zalewski equalized for Polônia with a shot from outside the area after a pass from Piotr Zielinski.
- In the 44th minute, Gustaf Lagerbielke put Suécia back in front with a header from a free kick by Benjamin Nygren.
- In the 55th minute, Karol Swiderski left everything the same again for Polônia to finish after assistance from Nicola Zalewski.
- In the 57th minute, Slavko Vincic reviewed the goal via VAR and maintained the validity of the Polish goal.
The match continues in the final repechage, with the teams competing for a place in Copa of Mundo of 2026. Jogadores of both teams demonstrate high physical commitment, with constant changes of possession and infiltration attempts. The Swedish defense cleared several corners, while Polônia pressed in search of a turnaround or a new consolidated draw.
Interruptions due to medical care and VAR analyzes required concentration from the teams. Goalkeeper Nordfeldt stood out with safe interventions, especially with short-range shots. Polônia explores the sides of the field well, but finds resistance from the organized Swedish marking.
The fans present at Strawberry Arena are following the duel with high expectations, as the result could decide who qualifies for Mundial. The teams alternate moments of dominance, with Suécia controlling more possession in some periods and Polônia creating dangerous counterattacks.
New corners and fouls continue to emerge as the second half progresses. The Polish team tries to maintain intensity to exploit any spaces left by Suécia. Referee Slavko Vincic manages time and complaints firmly, ensuring fluidity in the confrontation.
The two teams already demonstrated their ability to react throughout the match, with alternating goals reflecting technical balance. Defensores on both sides make important disarms, preventing offensive actions from taking place more frequently.
The game remains open, with the possibility of further changes to the score while time regulates. Polônia and Suécia seek control of the midfield to dictate the remaining pace of the decisive match.







