Paris (AFP)
Sweden took the lead in Group B by beating Spain on Thursday (2-1) at home, while England punished Hungary (4-0) on the 4th day of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.
For its first match since its European title in early July, Italy for its part conceded a draw against Bulgaria (1-1).
Almost three months after a poor 0-0 in the group stage of the Euro, the Spaniards and Swedes did not need much time this time to find the net.
At the opening of the scoring of Carlos Soler (5th), who honored his first selection with La Roja, the Swedish prodigy Alexander Isak came to answer a minute later.
The joy of the Swedish striker Alexander Isak, after having equalized (1-1) against Spain, during the qualifications for the World Cup-2022 in Qatar, on September 2 in Solna Jonathan NACKSTRAND AFP
- Isak clashes -
If the domination was Spanish, the clearest opportunities were Scandinavians.
And they were rewarded in the 57th minute with a goal from Claesson on a nice pass from Kulisevski.
Manhandled the rest of the meeting, Janne Andersson's men held on, and could even have made the break without a saving tackle from Laporte on Isak, author of an excellent match.
The Spanish coach Luis Enrique, during the qualifications for the World Cup-2022 in Qatar, against Sweden, on September 2 in Solna Mid Jonathan NACKSTRAND AFP
Thanks to this victory, Sweden took the lead in Group B alone, two points behind their opponents.
Spain suffered its first defeat in a World Cup qualifying match since 1993.
In Group I, England confirmed their leadership position by punishing Hungary.
Led by his Premier League stars Grealish, Kane or Sterling, the unfortunate Euro finalist took only 15 minutes to kill the suspense.
It was Raheem Sterling, who opened the scoring in the 55th, before Kane doubled the lead on a header.
At the 69th, that of Maguire, badly repulsed by the guard, allowed the English to take shelter.
Rice then drove home the point at the end of the game (87th).
The joy of the English striker Harry Kane (r), congratulated by Raheem Sterling, after scoring the second goal against Hungary, during the qualifications for the World Cup-2022 in Qatar, September 2, 2021 in Budapest Attila KISBENEDEK AFP
- Sluggish Italy -
The Hungarian slap benefited the Poland of Lewandovski, first scorer in his 4-1 victory against Albania, who took second place in Group I.
I like Italy, European champion, which for its part was held in check by Bulgaria (1-1), in Florence, in group C. The Italians, dominating, opened the scoring thanks to a superb strike from Chiesa (16th).
But on a cons roundly led, Despodov got rid of Florenzi to serve Ilev who deceived Donnaruma (39th).
Italian midfielder Marco Verratti (r) and his teammates, after their draw (1-1) against Bulgaria, during their qualifying match for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, September 2, 2021 in Florence Alberto PIZZOLI AFP
Despite this draw, Squadra Azzurra retained the lead of the group and continued their unbeaten streak, ie 35 games without defeat.
In the other games, Germany moved back to Group J thanks to their difficult 2-0 victory over Liechtenstein, for Hansi Flick's first on the bench.
Finally in Group E, Belgium of Lukaku, author of a double, largely beat Estonia (5-2).
© 2021 AFP