Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal take a one-goal lead to Sweden for the second leg of their World Cup qualification playoff on Tuesday night.

Ronaldo headed home in the 82nd minute on Friday night to give the Portuguese a slender lead ahead of the return leg in Stockholm.

The Real Madrid forward played primarily from the left in Lisbon but could feature through the middle if coach Paulo Bento opts to fill the midfield and defend their narrow lead.

Hosts Sweden had their chances in the Portuguese capital but must score at least one if they are to reach next year's tournament in Brazil.

Manager Erik Hamren is likely to stick with a similar side to the one that was beaten on Friday despite their scoreless effort.

Talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic was kept quiet but will be expected to spark the Swedes' fightback as they look to return to the World Cup finals after failing to qualify for the last one in South Africa.

Recent form

Sweden: LLWWWW

Portugal: WWDLWD

Possible starting lineups

Sweden: Isaksson; Lustig, Nilsson, Antonsson, Olsson; Elm, Larsson, Kallstrom; Elmander, Ibrahimovic, Kacaniklic

Portugal: Patricio; Pereira, Alves, Pepe, Coentrao; Veloso, Moutinho; Nani, Meireles, Ronaldo; Postiga

Sports Mole says: 1-1

Written by
Pascal Lemesre

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