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Sweden booked their ticket to the World Cup on Tuesday evening as Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres struck the winner in their dramatic 3-2 play-off victory over Poland in Stockholm
Tottenham playmaker Dejan Kulusevski has claimed he is ready to defy the odds and prove his fitness in time for this summer's World Cup.
The 25-year-old, who has not kicked a ball this season following patella surgery last May, fought back the tears as he watched his nation defeat Poland 3-2 in their crunch play-off in Stockholm to clinch their ticket to North America.
Speaking to Viaplay, Kulusevski reaffirmed his commitment to featuring at the tournament, despite indicating he faces an uphill battle to make that dream a reality.
He said: "I haven't played in a year. I know what the chances are. But if there is one person on the planet who can do this, I would bet on myself. And we are not just going there to participate. Sweden will aim to be one of the best."As long as I live, I will do everything I can so that Sweden, when we go out and play, will not be afraid of anyone. Brazil, France, whoever they are. That's why I'm on this planet. To give faith and love to my people."
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Around three weeks ago, Kulusevski had a minor surgical intervention to clean up his knee.
He is adamant the small operation was necessary and represented a turning point in his recovery, recently explaining during a separate interview: "I understand that people were worried, but it was actually for the wrong reason.
"It was really positive to undergo this small operation and be able to identify the problem. Now everything should be sorted out. Maybe because of things that won't be known because, at the end of the day, it's only God who decides and no one else."
Kulusevski then travelled to Valencia to support Sweden in their play-off semi-final against Ukraine last Thursday before cheering his team-mates over the finish line in his homeland.
For him, he does not want any share of glory, adding last night: "I don't want to take anything for myself. I want those who play to get all the credit. But I still want to be there for my little brothers. And I wanted to be part of this.
"Of course it's hard to have a limp and not be able to walk up stairs, but I put that ego aside. Because I want to celebrate with the guys."
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