Spain 1-0 Sweden: Morata's winner secures place at 2022 World Cup

Spain qualified for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after a tense 1-0 victory over Sweden that was secured by Alvaro Morata's late winner.

Sweden needed to win in Seville on Sunday to top Group B but will go into the play-offs instead after Luis Enrique's home side saw out a nervy final match of their qualifying campaign to clinch the automatic spot.

Emil Forsberg had two clear-cut goalscoring opportunities for Sweden at the Estadio La Cartuja but was unable to test Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon.

Morata gave Spain victory with a close-range strike on the rebound with four minutes of the game left after Dani Olmo had seen his effort hit the crossbar.

Spain showed the early intent and a slick passing move saw Pablo Sarabia cut inside and narrowly shoot wide of the far post with Robin Olsen well beaten.

Sweden weathered the early pressure and Forsberg went close when he curled narrowly wide for the visitors, who began with striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the bench.

Olmo's deflected effort went just over the crossbar midway through the first period before Sweden spurned a golden chance six minutes before half-time.

Ludwig Augustinsson's cross from the left picked out the unmarked Forsberg at the back post, but his volleyed effort flashed just past the post.

Sweden missed two chances shortly after the interval; Cesar Azpilicueta carelessly lost possession but Alexander Isak fired over the crossbar before Forsberg got himself in a tangle after being picked out by Albin Ekdal.

Sandwiched between those opportunities, Spain's Raul de Tomas glanced a header just wide from Sarabia's teasing corner.

Sweden threw on veteran Ibrahimovic with 17 minutes left, but it was Spain who looked more likely to score in the remainder of the contest.

The decisive moment came late in the 86th minute when substitute Morata expertly guided the ball into an empty net after Olmo's effort bounced back out off the woodwork.

What does it mean? Spain get the job done

Spain reached their 12th consecutive World Cup, but despite enjoying 72.3 per cent of possession this was a tricky night for Luis Enrique's men.

Nevertheless, La Roja are unbeaten in their last 15 home games in all competitions (won 13, drawn two) since their defeat against England in October 2018 in the UEFA Nations League.

They also maintained their impressive unbeaten World Cup qualification record on home soil which has seen them win 51 and draw 10 of their 61 qualifying matches.

Crucial goal for clinical Morata

Morata has played 50 games for Spain in all competitions since his debut in November 2014 against Belarus and since then he has netted 23 goals for La Roja - 10 more than any of his compatriots during that time.

Forsberg fluffs his chance

This was a game to forget for attacking midfielder Forsberg who found himself in good positions but lacked the killer touch as he failed to hit the target with two shots.

What's next?

Sweden will find out their opponents for next March's World Cup play-offs on Friday, November 26. Spain will almost certainly seek to arrange friendlies during the same international break.