Sweden – Portugal 19.11.2013

Portugal come in this match with advantage from the first leg in Lisabon.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored on the first match a very important goal in the 82nd minute. In this match Swedish players will have the support from their fans, so maybe it will be easier to score. Sweden played more defensively on the first match, but now must attack. Portugals have minimal advantage and with another goal they will be very close to secure the place for World Cup in Brazil. Sweden weren’t so convincing on home soil during this qualification. They lost to Germany, played goalless draw with Ireland, and win against weakest sides like Austria and Faroe Islands.

Sweden will play in 4-4-2 formation, with Ibrahimovic and Elmander in the attacking line, while they will be supported by Kallstrom and Elm from the midfield zone. This match will be probably a last chance for Zlatan Ibrahimovic (32 years) to provide placement at the biggest world tournament.

If Portugal managed to qualify for the tournament, it will be their second consecutive pass in the play-offs. They were better than Bosnia and Herzegovina (2:0 on aggregate) in 2009, so they participated in World Cup in South Africa. Fabio Coentrao and Joao Pereira didn’t play in the first leg. They will be on fitness tests to see if they are fit to be included in the squad for this match. Portugal are coming into this match after six rounds without defeats. Some of them were against weaker side and this match will be real test for their power.

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The coach Paulo Bento probably will set 4-1-2-3 formation with Cristiano Ronaldo, Helder Postiga and Nani in the attack line, while Meireles and Moutinho will be in the midfield zone. Ronaldo and Pepe were back to training on Sunday.

This match will be their 17th mutual match. Sweden won 6 times, Portugal 4 times and six matches ended without winner. There are no space for calculations, so I expect Over 2 goals.