Viktor Gyokeres netted a dramatic late winner to help Sweden qualify for the World Cup in a 3-2 victory over Poland.
Having netted a hat-trick in the play-off semi-final against Ukraine in Valencia, the Swedes had a rematch with Poland to reach the finals in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
Anthony Elanga and Gustaf Lagerbielke gave Sweden the lead on two occasions, only to be pegged back, first by Nicola Zalewski, and then Karol Swiderski as the game looked to be heading to extra-time.
That was until our number 14 crashed the ball home from close range to give Sweden the victory with three minutes remaining and send the nation to the finals for the first time since 2018.
Viktor and Sweden’s reward for qualifying for the World Cup will be to face the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia in Monterrey, Houston and Arlington.
PENALTY HEARTBREAK
It was not to be for Riccardo Calafiori and Italy as they lost out to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties in Zenica.
Having started the semi-final victory over Northern Ireland, Cala then played the full 120 minutes as Moise Kean gave Italy the lead in Bosnia.
Alessandro Bastoni was then sent off for Azzurri before Haris Tabakovic levelled late on to force the match into extra-time.
Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante then missed from the spot as Italy missed out on a third straight World Cup.
NEARLY FOR NORGAARD
There was more heartbreak from spot kicks as midfielder Christian Norgaard suffered a shootout exit at the final hurdle.
Christian netted in the 4-0 victory over North Macedonia to set up a clash with Czechia in Prague.
Our midfielder came on in the 60th minute as the match finished 2-2 at the epet ARENA.
Rasmus Hojlund and Mathias Jensen both missed their kicks as Czechia qualified for their first World Cup since 2006.
DOWMAN AND MARTINELLI NET
Elsewhere, two of our Gunners were in the goals in their respective internationals.
Over in America, Gabriel Martinelli netted his fourth goal for Brazil as they defeated Croatia 3-1.
Taking place in Orlando, goals from Danilo and Brentford’s Igor Thiago helped Carlo Ancelotti’s side to a 2-1 lead before Gabi raced through on goal and fired past Dominik Livakovic to confirm the victory.
Brazil will take on Morocco, Haiti and Scotland in their group at the World Cup.
Max Dowman was also amongst the goals for the England under-19s with a sensational solo strike.
Our attacker, who netted his first goal for us against Everton last month, picked up the ball before weaving his way through the Portugal defence and slotting home.
The goal came in a 6-0 victory as part of the Euro U19 qualifiers, but the Young Lions just missed out on reaching the finals in Wales this summer.
QUARTET START
Finally, a trio of Gunners started for their nations as the international break came to an end.
Cristhian Mosquera made his first start for his nation as Spain played out a 0-0 draw with Egypt. Christhian played the full 90 minutes to keep a clean sheet, with David Raya also starting before being substituted for Joan Garcia.
Ben White followed up his maiden England goal by starting for the Three Lions in their 1-0 defeat against Japan at Wembley.
Our full-back played 60 minutes as Kaoru Mitoma netted the only goal of the game to inflict England’s first defeat against an Asian nation.
Finally, Myles Lewis-Skelly provided an assist for Ethan Nwaneri as England under-21s defeated Moldova 4-1 at Carrow Road.
Ethan scored in the first half before being set up by MLS for his second in a comfortable victory for Lee Carsley’s side.
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