At 3:45 a.m. Beijing time on March 25, the Semi-Final of The World Preliminary European Zone Play-off Group B: Sweden took on the Czech Republic. According to the rules, the winner of this match will face off against the winner of another semi-final in Group B, Russia vs Poland, for a ticket to the 2022 World Cup, and due to Russia's ban, Poland "wins without a fight" directly advances to the final of Group B, waiting for the winner of Sweden vs. the Czech Republic.
In the European zone of this World Preliminary Round, Sweden qualified for the play-offs as the second in the group, the third in the Czech Republic group, and qualified for the play-offs with the UEFA Nations League.
Sweden started with 442, Isaac and Kulusevsky double forwards, midfielders Fossberg, Ekdal, Christopher Olsen and Klessen, four defenders Martin Olsen, Nielsson, Lindelof, Danielsen and goalkeeper Olsen. The total value of the starting eleven is 130 million euros. Manchester United youngster Ilanga sits on the bench, Ibrahimovic has been selected for the Swedish squad, Sweden coach Anderson said, "Ibrahimovic can't play the whole game, but his ability, leadership can help the team." "But in this game Ibrahimovic was suspended and could not play.
Czech Republic starters 361, centre-forward Kuchata, midfielders Jankto, Kložek, Ballack, Maso Paste, double backs Sadilek and Shoček, three centre-backs Khorşš, Brabbec and David Zma, goalkeeper Vaclik. The starting eleven are worth a total of 90 million euros.
The number one Czech striker, playing for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, is currently second in the Bundesliga top scorers list with 20 goals, and the absence of Sikh, known as the "Czech Ibrahimovic", is a big loss for the Czech Republic. Czech coach Silhavi said before the match, "If the Czech Republic can beat Sweden, then Sigg is expected to be able to play against Poland." "The point is that you have to win against Sweden first!"
After the match began, Sweden took the lead in attacking. In the 4th minute, Fossberg's volley went high over the crossbar. In the 7th minute, Isaac received a corner kick from Fosberg and fired it high over the crossbar. In the 10th minute, Isaac's cross from the left was deflected off the top of the goal by Kulu's header.
In the 11th minute, a Czech corner kick was attacked, Brabbets' header was struck, the goalkeeper saved the ball, and was made up by Kuchata, but the referee signaled that the foul was first, and the goal was invalid.
In the 37th minute, a free-kick from the Czech Front was driven into the box and was cleared by Danielson.
In the 45th minute, Fossbergerine cut inside and fired a shot that deflected off the upright.
In the 58th minute, a high cross from the left side of the Czech Republic was met by Shoczek, who inserted a header and deflected it off the top.
In the 79th minute, a Swedish corner kick was opened and Swanberg's header was taken down by the goalkeeper.
Regular time ends, the two sides draw 0:0 and go into overtime. In the 110th minute, Isaac assisted and Quesson scored a goal. Sweden beat the Czech Republic 1-0 to advance.
At 2:45 a.m. Beijing time on March 30, the final of the World Preliminary Round of The European Zone Group B, Poland vs Sweden, the winner will enter the 2022 World Cup main tournament.