Heartbreak for Lindelof and Elanga as Sweden eliminated from World Cup play-offs

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Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Diogo Dalot are celebrating after Portugal booked their place at World Cup 2022.

But it was not all good news for United’s World Cup hopefuls as Sweden crashed out at the hands of Poland.

After beating Czech Republic 1-0 in extra-time last week, Sweden had to visit Poland who had home advantage for the final.

Facing a rested up Robert Lewandowski was too big a task, with Poland given a bye to the final after drawing Russia.

Lewandowski scored a penalty to put Poland 1-0 up, before Piotz Zielinski made it 2-0.

Anthony Elanga had come on in the second half in the score at 1-0, but he was unable to make the decisive impact Sweden hoped for, in just his second international game.

Lindelof started the game and made more passes than any other player on the pitch, but that statistic counted for little in the defeat.

Elanga did not manage a shot at goal in his 24 minutes on the pitch in a fruitless and disappointing night for the Swedes, who had finished second in their qualifying group to Spain.

Dilemma gone for Sweden

Lindelof had spoken before the game about the moral dilemma of playing in Qatar, having been asked about the tournament in his press conference, having been told there were Sweden fans considering not attending the tournament, via Expressen.

He had said: “I understand where they come from, absolutely, and why they think and feel that way. We have gone through this question many times and it is clear that what is happening and what has happened down there must not happen and should not happen.”

Now this dilemma is gone for Sweden fans, and the players and coaches won’t field questions about it either. Instead Lindelof and Elanga will get an extended break with Manchester United and watch the tournament at home later this year.