Morata Qualifies Spain for 12th Consecutive World Cup

Tears for Ronaldo as Serbia snatch ticket from Portugal

Alvaro Morata’s late goal helped Spain qualify for the 2022 World Cup and consigned Sweden to the play-offs.

Sweden goalkeeper Robin Olsen tipped Dani Olmo’s shot on to the crossbar with Morata on hand to tap the ball in after 86 minutes.

Luis Enrique’s side needed just a point to top Group B while Sweden needed to win to finish above their opponents.

The result means Spain have qualified for a 12th consecutive World Cup finals.

Elsewhere, Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic scored a dramatic late winner as Serbia booked their place at next year’s World Cup and condemned Portugal to the play-offs.

Hosts Portugal only needed a draw to qualify and looked to have done enough, with Renato Sanches’ opener cancelled out by Dusan Tadic’s equaliser.

Mitrovic, who started the game on the bench, was sent on at half-time but Portugal were wise to his threat and kept him largely quiet.

Ghana Upstage S’Africa to Pick Playoff Ticket

Andre Ayew was the hero as his first-half effort was enough to see Ghana beat South Africa 1-0 in Cape Coast to qualify for the final playoffs of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

Ayew converted from the spot to win three valuable points for the Black Stars in the final matchday fixture in Group G.

The two teams ended the second qualifiers with 13 points apiece atop the table but the West Africans’ better goal difference placed them just ahead as group winners.