Mukael Lustig can look forward to appearing in the World Cup Finals in Russia next summer after helping Sweden to a 1-0 aggregate win over Italy.
The Celtic defender was suspended for Friday’s first leg in Stockholm where the Swedes edged ahead with the only goal of the game.
Lustig performed solidly tonight in the San Siro alongside his fellow defenders who kept out at an Italian side lacking in imagination. For the first time since the 1958 finals the Italians will be looking on from afar.
It was a lively affair despite the lack of goals with both sides having a number of decent penalty claims.
Lustig was involved in one of those incidents when he cleaned out Matteo Darmian but the Spanish referee ruled that the Italian had handled the ball shortly before Lustig’s challenge.
Italy’s best spell was in the first half where they enjoyed 70% possession, after the break chances were limited with Robin Olsen confident in his handling behind a confident Swedish back four.
Sweden finished runners up to France in their group while Italy finished behind Spain.
Legend ???????????????????????????????????????????????????? #Lustig #Sweden #CelticFC pic.twitter.com/QgL8tjYSb5
— ???? Sean Gillespie ???? (@String82) November 13, 2017