Anthony Elanga makes Sweden international debut and reaches World Cup play-off final

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Anthony Elanga’s fantastic 2021/22 campaign continued as his Sweden side won their World Cup play-off semi-final.

Elanga came off the bench in extra-time to make his debut as Sweden squeezed to a 1-0 victory over Czech Republic.

The 19-year-old Manchester United talent played the final five minutes of extra-time as Sweden sought to stretch the game and hold onto their lead after Robin Quaison’s winner.

It said a lot about Elanga’s rise at United this season that his Sweden call-up felt normal, it wasn’t a surprise. Now he is just one win away from Qatar 2022.

The win against the Czech Republic was a hard fought one, with the opponents reaching the quarter-finals at Euro 2020 before losing to Denmark.

Sweden had home advantage for this play-off semi-final and made it count, with Victor Lindelof playing a starring role at centre-back.

Lindelof played all 120 minutes, making four clearances, 15 ball recoveries, and winning five duels as he fought to deliver a clean sheet for Sweden.

The only nervous aspect on the night for Elanga was when he was on the bench and the game appeared as though it may be heading to penalties.

Elanga may have been in two minds about coming on and potentially having to take a decisive spot-kick, so soon after his FA Cup miss for United against Middlesbrough. Thankfully he was spared having to go through it, coming on after Sweden had scored their game-turning winning goal.

This match was a landmark moment for Elanga, the first of many international caps, but he will want it to actually mean something.

Play-off final awaits

Next up is the World Cup play-off final when Sweden face Poland, who finished second in England’s group.

Poland got a bye to the semi-finals after Russia were kicked out, but they did not have a night off, drawing 1-1 away to Scotland, although they did rest Robert Lewandowski, probably to the relief of United’s Scott McTominay who featured as part of a back three.

Victor Lindelof will not get that luxury in Sunday’s play-off, facing Poland for the second time in a year after they met at Euro 2020, a match Sweden won 3-2, where Lewandowski scored twice.

Elanga will likely have to settle for a place on the bench, but he will be ready to contribute, and hopefully book his and Lindelof’s place at Qatar 2022.