Tonight’s match between Sweden and Poland will be the first meeting between Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robert Lewandowski, although the Milan striker is expected to start on the bench.
Unlike Italy, the two countries have qualified for the World Cup play-off Final, but only one of them will get a spot at Qatar 2022.
Ibrahimovic and Lewandowski have never met before in their career, but Ibra is expected to start on the bench at the Stadion Śląski in Chorzów tonight.
The Milan star made his international return one year ago, but didn’t play at the Euros because of an injury. He also missed the play-off semi-final against the Czech Republic due to a suspension.
Ibrahimovic has recently recovered from an Achilles injury and has yet to start a game since the end of January when he was forced off the pitch in the first half of a Serie A clash against Juventus.
The 40-year-old has scored eight goals in 22 appearances across all competitions this season, while Lewandowski, 33, has scored 45 goals in 37 games. The Poland international is the most prolific striker in 2022, with 12 goals in 10 appearances at a club level.
Sweden with probably the marginally better team, but Lewandowski could be the difference maker.