'Blessed' Morata finds redemption in Seville as he sends Spain to Qatar 2022 - in pictures

Jeered in June, Spain striker earns plaudits in Seville with goal that sealed automatic place at next year's World Cup at Sweden's expense

Spain's Alvaro Morata, right, celebrates after scoring against Sweden in the World Cup 2022 Group B qualifier at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville, Spain, Sunday, November 14, 2021. AP Photo

Alvaro Morata of Spain celebrates with teammates after scoring against Sweden. Getty Images

Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon celebrates after their side's first goal, scored by Alvaro Morata. Getty Images

Albin Ekdal of Sweden is surrounded by Gavi, Alvaro Morata and Mikel Merino of Spain. Getty Images

Spain's Alvaro Morata celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup 2022 group B qualifying soccer match between Spain and Sweden at La Cartuja stadium in Seville, Spain, Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021. (AP Photo / Angel Fernandez)

Spain's Alvaro Morata, centre, celebrates. AP Photo

Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Sweden replaces teammate Alexander Isak. Getty Images

Spain coach Luis Enrique celebrates at the final whistle. Getty Images

Spain's Alvaro Morata scores the opening goal. AP Photo

Alvaro Morata at the final whistle after his goal sent Spain to the 2022 World Cup. AP Photo

Spain forward Alvaro Morata celebrates with Daniel Olmo. AFP

Viktor Claesson and Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Sweden look dejected following defeat to Spain. Getty Images

Spain forward Alvaro Morata celebrates with teammates. AFP

Spain's Alvaro Morata celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates. Reuters

Spain's Alvaro Morata reacts after scoring tin the 86th minute against Sweden. Getty

Spain players and staff celebrate by taking a team photograph. Getty Images

Dani Olmo of Spain is closed down by Dejan Kulusevski of Sweden. Getty Images

Spain coach Luis Enrique, centre, celebrates. AP Photo

Alvaro Morata said he was blessed to have scored the goal that sent Spain to next year's World Cup in Qatar in the same venue where he suffered jeers from the national team fans in June.

The Juventus striker tapped home in the 86th minute against Sweden in Seville to secure Spain's place at the 2022 global finals.

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.

Spain coach Luis Enrique was relieved with the late win and even happier that it was Morata who grabbed the headlines.

"He deserved so much because of what he experienced here in this stadium and because he works so hard. I'm so excited for him to make peace with the fans," Luis Enrique told reporters.

Spain topped Group B with 19 points while second-placed Sweden will have to try and qualify for next year's World Cup via the play-offs in March.