Sweden (0) v Portugal (1): World Cup play-off match preview
A look ahead to tonight's World Cup 2014 qualifying match in Solna
Both Sweden and Portugal will have one final chance to secure a World Cup finals place tonight when they face off in their last qualifying match. Portugal have the advantage after beating Sweden 1-0 in Lisbon last Friday, however with a spot in next year’s tournament in Brazil on the line, look for the home side to put up a considerable fight.
Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will have to be more influential on the field as he failed to even touch the ball in the opposition’s penalty area on Friday. Sweden will now be forced to play more attacking football than they showed in Lisbon, with Portugal controlling 68% of possession. With only a slim one goal lead, the away side are by no means in the clear for a World Cup spot, something that makes this game an enticing match-up to watch.
KICK-OFF: Tuesday, 8.00pm
PAST MEETINGs
Portugal 1 (Ronaldo) Sweden 0, World Cup Qualifying, Play-Off, November 2013
Portugal 0 Sweden 0, World Cup Qualifying, Group Stage, March2009
Sweden 0 Portugal 0, World Cup Qualifying, Group Stage, October 2008
Portugal 2 (Pauleta, Gomes) Sweden 2 (Kallstrom, Jorge), International Friendly, April 2004
STATS…
Zlatan Ibrahimovic only mustered one shot against Portugal in Lisbon, while Cristiano Ronaldo fired in seven.
Portugal are unbeaten in major tournaments playoffs (World Cup or European Championship), winning four and drawing one.
Sweden have won none of their last eight encounters against Portugal (D5, L3).
Portugal have not failed to qualify for a major tournament (World Cup or European Championship) since 1998, while Sweden have missed World Cup 2010
75% of European teams have qualified for a major tournament (World Cup or European Championship) having won the first leg 1-0 at home.
ODDS…
Sweden to win: 2.7
Portugal to win: 2.8
Draw: 3.4
TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 at 7.45pm
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