Spain lose their first World Cup qualifying game in 28 years

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Carlos Soler (left) scored in the unexpected defeat

Photo: Claudio Bresciani / TT / EPA

Setback for Spain in the World Cup qualification: In Sweden, the 2010 world champions lost 1: 2 (1: 1) and thus slipped behind the hosts to second place in the group.

The early Spanish lead by Carlos Soler (4th minute) was immediately equalized by ex-Dortmund's Alexander Isak (5th), before Viktor Claesson scored the winning goal (57th).

Due to the defeat, Spain no longer has direct qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as Sweden is not only one point ahead of them, but also has one more game to play.

It was the first Spanish defeat in World Cup qualification after 66 games.

The team last lost on March 31, 1993 in Denmark.

At that time, Pep Guardiola was in the starting line-up, and a former Dortmund player also played a major role: Flemming Povlsen scored the only goal of the evening in the 21st minute.

Possibly a good omen for Spain: With a win in the second leg, the Spaniards qualified for the 1994 World Cup, European champions Denmark unfortunately fell behind Ireland to third place and just missed the tournament.

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