FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifier: Alvaro Morata finds redemption as he sends Spain to Qatar

In the La Cartuja Stadium in June, also against Sweden, Alvaro Morata was substituted to a chorus of boos after missing a penalty and wasting another clear opportunity in a disappointing 0-0 draw in Spain’s Euro 2020 opener. 

Alvaro Morata said he was blessed to have scored the goal that sent Spain to the World Cup finals in Qatar in the same venue where he suffered jeers from the national team fans in June. The striker was on hand in the 86th minute against Sweden in Seville on Sunday to tap the ball in and give Spain a 1-0 win that secured their place in next year’s tournament.

In the La Cartuja Stadium in June, also against Sweden, Morata was substituted to a chorus of boos after missing a penalty and wasting another clear opportunity in a disappointing 0-0 draw in Spain’s Euro 2020 opener. “Destiny was good to me today,” Morata, who in June said he and his family had received death threats during the Euros, told a news conference on Sunday.

“It had to be here, where I went through some really difficult experiences. I feel so lucky and blessed that I helped my team to be in the World Cup. But we only did what we are supposed to do. Spain have to be in every World Cup,” the 29-year-old added.