Spain vs Sweden - 4 things to watch out for in the make-or-break Group B clash | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

Spain and Sweden will lock horns for a direct qualification spot in Group B.
Spain and Sweden will lock horns for a direct qualification spot in Group B.

#2 Alvaro Morata must get his shooting boots on

Morata's last goal for Spain came in Euro 2020 in July.
Morata's last goal for Spain came in Euro 2020 in July.

Spain striker Alvaro Morata has failed to score in the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers since his opening-day strike against Greece. That hasn't hurt La Roja, who have netted 13 times in their next six outings, but Morata must step up on Sunday.

Spain face a similarly resolute side that has conceded only five times in seven games like La Roja themselves. So they'll need to muster every ounce of their attacking firepower to break Sweden down.

Morata is currently the most prolific active Spanish goalscorer, with 22 goals from 48 games. Just for context, no other player in the current Spain squad has even hit double figures.

Lately, Morata has been an excellent foil for wide players like Ferran Torres, Pablo Sarabia and Raul de Tomas. But if the Juventus star offers a more direct threat, the Swedish defence could have a long night.


#1 Sweden heading for another dreadful playoff?

Sweden needed playoffs in their last two FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns.
Sweden needed playoffs in their last two FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns.

Trailing Spain by two points in the group, Sweden have no choice but to defeat their mighty hosts to secure direct qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

One thing going for them is that the Blagult beat Spain in the reverse fixture in September. They beat Luis Enrique's side 2-1 in a shock victory, but a repeat looks unlikely.

Spain are a dominant force at home, and at best, they could secure a draw, which won't be enough for Sweden. So that calls for another dreaded two-legged playoff that Sweden have been no strangers to.

They lost 4-2 on aggregate at that stage of the qualifiers against Portugal eight years ago. However, four years later, they caused an epic upset by ousting four-time champions Italy 1-0 on aggregate. History might be repeating itself again for Janne Andersson's side.

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Edited by Bhargav
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