Morata's touching star celebration after goal sent Spain to World Cup

Spain striker Alvaro Morata dedicated his decisive goal that sent his nation to next year's World Cup to sick children who are in care.

Morata netted with three minutes remaining in a nervy victory over Sweden in Seville on Sunday night to clinch Luis Enrique's side's place in next winter's finals.

Spain needed to avoid defeat to ensure their place at the top of the World Cup qualification group and rode their luck at times against the Swedes in a game of few chances.

The Juventus striker was a second half substitute and sealed the victory for Spain with a late strike after Dani Olmo's initial effort had cannoned off the crossbar.

It was an emotional moment that sparked huge celebrations among La Roja's players, staff and fans to conclude a campaign which for long periods had their side in second place in the group.

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Morata celebrated the moment in a special way as he ran to grab a golden cardboard star that he lifted above his head to bask in the celebrations.

The star had been given to the striker by Miguel Angel, a boy from Malaga from the Little Wish Foundation, who seeks to help sick children make their illnesses more bearable by achieving their dreams.

Morata made Miguel Angel's dream a reality, as the boy had given the star to him in order to wish him luck with the former Chelsea striker dedicating the moment to him.

Morata told reporters after the game: "The team have had bad times together, but it is great news for everyone. This is where we have to be.

"But we should not celebrate more than necessary. Spain has to be in all the World Cups.

"For some time now, any game we have played has been difficult.

"All these teams are working very hard; it is very difficult to play against teams that defend well and are organised.

"I needed to qualify for the World Cup and win this game, which is what we all need.

"We are a great group and we deserve to be in the World Cup.

"Surely some great team that can opt for the World Cup will be left out, the qualifying phase is difficult. You have to be happy.

"Now we have to work hard to have the opportunity to go to the World Cup.

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"When we all suffer together it is difficult for us to lose."

Morata and Spain will definitely be in next year's finals in Qatar and they were joined in qualification on Sunday by Croatia and Serbia, who also topped their groups.

Sweden, Russia and Portugal were the sides to miss out on automatic progress but all three still do have a chance of qualifying through the playoffs.