World Cup 2014 play-off: Portugal v Sweden match preview

A look ahead to tonight’s World Cup qualifier at the Estadio da Luz

Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic show their respect after their one international encounter in 2008 (Getty Images)

Portugal welcome Sweden in arguably the stand out match of play-offs - which is being billed as Zlatan Ibrahimovic v Cristiano Ronaldo. Both men are in fine form with the Portuguese man scoring 15 times in his last ten games for club and country whilst the enigmatic Swede has struck 14 times.

Sweden come into the game having only lost once out of their last six games, losing 5-3 to Germany, whilst Portugal have only won three times during their last six internationals.

Ibrahimovic usually rises to the occasion for his national side, having scored 11 times in his last ten games including six in this current qualifying campaign.

KICK-OFF: Friday, 7.45pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Portugal 0 Sweden 0, World Cup, March 2009

Portugal 0 Sweden 0, World Cup, October 2008

Sweden 2 (Pettersson, Allback) Portugal 3 (Conceicao, Romeu, Rui Costa), International, October 2002

STATS…

Bruno Alves has scored as many goals (4) as Ronaldo in qualifying.

Ronaldo has scored six times in his last ten international games.

Ibrahimovic has scored 46 times in 94 appearances for Sweden.

Portugal’s longest run without a loss is ten games.

Ibrahimovic and Ronaldo have played together only seven times scoring three goals between them.

ODDS…

Portugal to win: 1.7

Sweden to win: 6

Draw: 4

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 at 7.45pm