Sweden’s Under-21 team scored an 88th-minute winner against France to qualify for Euro 2015 – and taught the gloating France defender Layvin Kurzawa a lesson in the process

Sweden went into the second leg of their Euro 2015 qualifier against France last night trying to recover from a 2-0 defeat in Le Mans a week ago. By the end of night they had scored four goals, qualified in style and taught the France defender Layvin Kurzawa a lesson in humility.

The comeback began when Isaac Thelin scored from a corner in the third minute and then slotted home after a lovely passing move to level the tie just before half time. When Oscar Lewicki scored Sweden’s third in the 71st minute, it looked as if they were on their way to Euro 2015. But the drama was only beginning.



Isaac Thelin (SWEDEN 1-0 France)

Isaac Thelin (SWEDEN 2-0 France)

Oscar Lewicki (SWEDEN 3-0 France)



With three minutes to play, the France defender Layvin Kurzawa popped up in the Sweden box and sent a diving header past their flailing goalkeeper. The comeback was off. Sweden had battled well, but the momentum was now with France, who led on away goals. Kurzawa celebrated with the arrogance of a man who has not yet read the rest of the script. He found the Sweden striker John Guidetti and threw an aggressive salute into his face. He would regret that idea later.



Layvin Kurzawa (Sweden 3-1 FRANCE)



With only two minutes to play, France were on their way to Euro 2015. They just had to hold on to their narrow lead. But they conceded a free-kick deep in their half and Lewicki nicked into the box to score his second of the night and Sweden’s fourth. France were beaten. Sweden were through. And Kurzawa was left with egg on his face.

Oscar Lewicki (SWEDEN 4-1 France)

The victors enjoyed their moment of revenge. Kurzawa did not.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest John Guidetti celebrates after Sweden’s winning goal. Photograph: TT News Agency/Reuters