Evening all! Our World Cup qualification coverage begins in Lisbon as Portugal welcome Sweden for the first leg of their playoff clash. Both nations will be looking to their respective captains this evening with Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic arguably, on current form, the best two players in European football. Right, the team news for both nations is in.

So there we have it. No real surprises in the Portugal XI this evening with Ronaldo skippering the home team. Manchester United winger Nani and Valencia forward Helder Postiga also start in attack. Sweden, meanwhile, are skippered by Ibrahimovic. Fulham’s Alexander Kacaniklic and Sunderland’s Sebastian Larsson are also named in the XI. Plenty of familiar faces in both outfits.

Ronaldo, who has netted 43 times in 107 appearances for Portugal, has registered an incredible 24 goals in his 17 appearances for Real Madrid this season. Not only is the forward the top scorer in La Liga with 16 goals, he has scored eight times in four Champions League matches. The thought of a World Cup without Ronaldo is not a pleasant one.

However, Ibrahimovic has been every bit as impressive this season. The 32-year-old, who has scored 46 times in 94 games for his country, has found the back of the net 14 times in 15 matches for Paris Saint-Germain this season. It does seem strange that many continue to doubt his ability to produce at the top level, with his goal record at each club quite stunning.

As mentioned, each of the last three matches between the two nations have ended in draws. Meanwhile, Sweden have lost just three of their previous 15 matches against Portugal. The away side will also enter the match in the better form having won four of their last five games in all competitions, while Portugal have managed just one win during the same period.

Let’s take a look at how each side fared in their qualification group. Portugal, who were the favourites to win Group F, had to settle for second place, one point behind Russia. They won six of their 10 qualification matches, drawing three and losing just once. Meanwhile, they scored 20 times and conceded nine in the process.

Portugal started with back-to-back wins over Luxembourg and Azerbaijan, before suffering a damaging 1-0 loss in Russia. Back-to-back draws against Northern Ireland and Israel followed, before they won 2-0 in Azerbaijan. Then came a 1-0 win over Russia on their own patch, before picking up seven points from their last three matches against Northern Ireland, Israel and Luxembourg.

The most damaging result of their qualification group occurred in October. They led 1-0 against Israel entering the final five minutes, only to concede late on. Had they picked up all three points, it would have been enough for them to top the group and secure automatic qualification. However, they must now negotiate a two-legged playoff against Sweden.

Sweden, meanwhile, finished second in Group C. They collected 20 points from their 10 matches - winning six, drawing twice and losing twice. They were three points clear of third-place Austria, but some eight points behind winners Germany. Meanwhile, they scored 19 times and conceded 14.

They opened their campaign with back-to-back wins over Kazakhstan and Faroe Islands, before drawing 4-4 with Germany in that famous fixture in Berlin. That left them in a strong position in the group, but they stuttered in their next two games – drawing at home to Republic of Ireland before losing 2-1 in Austria.

A 2-0 win over the Faroe Islands followed, before they won in the Republic of Ireland. Next came back-to-back wins over Kazakhstan and Austria, before they lost 5-3 to Germany in their final group fixture. In truth, the fact Germany topped the group was no surprise. Therefore Sweden will have been mentally prepared for this type of occasion for some time.

However, Portugal are certainly used to this particular pressure. This is the third time in a row that Portugal have failed to secure automatic qualification for a major international tournament. They had to go through this particular process to reach the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 – where they reached the semi-finals.

PREDICTION: It would b fair to say that Portugal are the favourites to secure their place in the World Cup next summer. However, a team that boasts Ibrahimovic always has a chance. That said, I just think that the home side have too much quality in their XI this evening. My score prediction is 2-1 Portugal.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. As expected, there is a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium. The home supporters expect, but the Swedes have also travelled in their numbers. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if we indeed have one - could be vital.

The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. There has been a lot of talk about this match ever since the draw was made. Let's hope that events on the field match up. It is Ronaldo against Ibrahimovic. Portugal against Sweden. The home side get the action underway.

Portugal have never beaten Sweden on home soil - which is quite incredible. The home side have made most of the early running here, however, with Moutinho's driven cross causing problems inside the Sweden box, but Lustig ushers the ball behind for a goal kick. Positive opening couple of minutes from Portugal.

First sign of Ibrahimovic for the away side, but the Swedish captain is pulled up for a foul on Pepe. Sensational noise inside the stadium in the early stages as both sides attempt to settle into proceedings. Ronaldo is found by Alves moments later, but Nilsson comes across to clear at the vital moment. Goalless with four minutes on the clock.

Plenty happening in wide positions for Portugal as Pereira continues to join Nani in attacking areas. However, Sweden have been comfortable in dealing with the danger thus far. Paulo Bento would have wanted his side to start quickly and that has indeed been the case. All-action from Portugal as Sweden drop deeper and deeper.

CHANCES! Wonderful chance for Moutinho as the midfielder is found by Meireles inside the box, but Isaksson just does enough to force the Portuguese's effort wide of the post. Sweden have an opportunity down the other end moments later, but Elmander turns Lustig's cross just wide.

Good pressure from Sweden in the last couple of moments as a mistake from Pepe allows Kacaniklic to move into the box, but Alves is across on the cover. Larsson strikes one from outside the box in the next attack, but it is deflected behind for a corner, which Olsson fires wide of the post. Chances at both ends with 10 minutes on the clock here.

Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments, with the referee forced to intervene following a number of challenges in the middle of the pitch. Pereira continues to push on for Portugal, but he is ruled offside twice in quick succession. Not too much from either Ronaldo or Ibrahimovic thus far, but I suspect that will not be the case come the end of the evening.

Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening, with the second leg to come in Sweden next week. If the Swedes can secure a positive result in this one, they will fancy their chances on their own patch. Neither side has been allowed to put together any sort of tempo in the last couple of moments as the challenges continue to arrive.

It's positive work from Kacaniklic as the Swedish winger breaks down the left before attempting to drive a low cross into the box, but there are no takers. Elm, meanwhile, is walking a line as he continues to fell Ronaldo inside the Sweden half. Just the one clear chance for either side thus far. However, Ronaldo is standing over a set piece some 35 yards from goal.

Not Ronaldo's best effort as it smashes straight into the wall. Portugal are on the attack moments later with Moutinho, but his low cross into the box is cleared by Nilsson. Sweden have been nice and compact in defence thus far, but have struggled to find Ibrahimovic down the other end. Still goalless in Portugal.

CHANCE! Good opportunity for Sweden to open the scoring as Ibrahimovic's clever fake allows Larsson the chance to strike one from just inside the box, but Patricio is across to make a fine save at the vital moment. The resulting corner also causes problems inside the box, before Postiga fells Antonsson on the edge of the box.

CHANCE! Ibrahimovic looks to be the favourite to take the free kick, but leaves it for Kallstrom, whose effort whips just past the post. The chances are starting to arrive for the away side, which has quietened the noise inside the stadium.

Not too much from the home side in terms of opportunities in the last couple of moments as Sweden continue to warm to the task. Ibrahimovic thinks he has a one-on-one chance with Patricio moments later, but is ruled offside. Still goalless with 25 minutes on the clock. One of these two sides will not be at the World Cup in Brazil next summer. Ronaldo or Ibrahimovic?

Half-chance for Portugal as Moutinho's low cross causes all sorts of problems in the Sweden box, but the danger is finally cleared by Lustig. Alves delivers another cross into the area moments later, but Isaksson collects. It has been cross after cross for Paulo Bento's side thus far. However, it has not provided them with a real chance thus far.

The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments as the challenges continue to arrive from both sides. There have been 11 fouls in total with 30 minutes on the clock. Sweden have almost closed out the threat from Portugal at the moment as Larsson and Elm continue to assist their full-backs. Ronaldo threatens to collect a loose header from Lustig moments later, but Isaksson collects.

Neither Ibrahimovic nor Ronaldo have featured too heavily for their teams thus far. However, there is no question that the pair are the two best players on the pitch. Another low cross from Moutinho threatens to find Meireles moments later, but Larsson is on hand to clear at the far post. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining.

Half-chance for Sweden this time as Kallstrom stands over a free kick outside the box, but Alves is on hand to clear under pressure from Elmander. The away side are down the right with Elm moments later, but Pepe wins the battle with Ibrahimovic. Sweden have just started to take control of proceedings this evening.

Frustration from the home supporters in the last couple of moments as the referee refuses to hand Nani and Pereira free kicks outside the Sweden box. Moutinho attempts to take matters into his own hands moments later with an effort from distance, but Lustig makes the block. Plenty happening with 37 minutes on the clock in this World Cup playoff encounter.

Untidy from both sides in the final third as neither can find that elusive pass. There is no question that Hamren will be the happier of the two managers at this stage of proceedings. Where has this first period gone?! It has flown past. Little over five minutes remaining. Can Portugal force an opener before the interval?

Half-chance for Ronaldo as the Portuguese skipper rises highest inside the box, but his header was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Sweden are down the other end with Larsson moments later, but his cross is straight into the arms of Patricio. Still goalless with 42 minutes on the clock.

Better from Portugal as Nani finds the run of Postiga inside the box, but Nilsson is on hand with a fine challenge. The resulting corner causes more problems inside the box, eventually allowing Pereira to drive a cross towards Postiga, but Isaksson is out to collect. The big Swede is not too happy about the challenge from Postiga and lets the Valencia forward know all about it.

Half-chance for Sweden in the latter stages of the half as Larsson stands over a free kick outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the target. The end-to-end period of the match continues as Coentrao moves into the Sweden box, but Ibrahimovic is back performing his defensive duties, before Pepe heads straight at Isaksson.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first half to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Portugal have attempted to force the issue, but Sweden have had their moments in an end-to-end first half of football. However, not too much from Ronaldo or Ibrahimovic in the opening 45 minutes of football.

STATISTICS: Portugal have dominated the possession with 67%. However, they have hit the target just once in their five attempts - a header from Pepe in the latter stages of the half. Sweden, meanwhile, have registered five attempts - two of which have been on target.

BENCH WATCH: Portugal have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Eder, Hugo Almeida, Silvestre Varela and Josue. Meanwhile, Sweden have the likes of Pierre Bengtsson, Ola Toivonen and Erkan Zengin on the sidelines.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes from either manager, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening, with the second leg to come in Sweden next week. The away side get the half underway.

You just get the feeling that one goal might be enough to separate the two sides this evening. Both sides have had chances, but there is a hint that neither wants to lose. Bright start to the second period from Portugal as Ronaldo drives down the left before attempting to find Postiga inside the box, but Isaksson is out to collect.

Half-chance for Postiga as the Valencia forward meets a bouncing ball outside the box, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. The pressure continues from the home side as Ronaldo breaks down the left, but Lustig is across to clear. Sweden certainly must be praised for their organisation thus far.

CHANCES! Two chances in quick succession for the home side as a bouncing ball inside the Sweden box causes all sorts of problems. Postiga has the first chance, but Isaksson makes the save. It falls for Ronaldo, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Sweden are yet to really start in the second period.

The pressure from the home side continues as Nani finds some space down the right before delivering a dangerous cross into the box, but Nilsson is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Impressive defending from Sweden once more, but they are still struggling to force the issue in the final third. Both managers will be thinking about changes as the second period continues to gather pace.

The half-chances continue to arrive for Portugal as Moutinho finds Coentrao with a fine pass, but the Real Madrid left-back just loses control at the vital moment. The resulting corner eventually finds Meireles, but his effort is wide of the post. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in Portugal.

It is almost like watching an action replay in the second period as Portugal continue to deliver long balls into the box, only for Sweden to clear the danger. In truth, not too much is happening at the moment. Neither Ronaldo nor Ibrahimovic have been able to inspire their side thus far. However, there is still a lot of football to be played this evening.

Meireles takes matters into his own hands for the home side as he strikes one from outside the box, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Many thought that a goalless draw would occur this evening, and that is indeed the case at the moment. Still no changes from either manager, but players are being put through their paces on the sidelines.

CHANCE! Portugal come close once more as Postiga meets a corner from Nani, but his header is just high of the crossbar. It would be no exaggeration to say that Sweden have hardly been out of their own half in the second period. Can Portugal make their pressure pay? Little over 25 minutes remaining of the first leg.

Subdued atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment as the frustration from the home supporters continues to grow. There is no question that Sweden would be happy with a goalless draw. The home side make the first change of the match moments later as powerful striker Hugo Almeida replaces Postiga, who has had a couple of opportunities, but largely struggled.

Sweden simply cannot get out of their own half at the moment as crosses continue to arrive, but either the danger is cleared, or the referee pulls it up for a foul. In total, 21 fouls have been committed with 68 minutes on the clock. Little over 20 minutes for one of these sides to secure an advantage ahead of the second leg.

Another half-chance for the home side as Nani creates some space outside the box before attempting to bend one into the bottom corner, but Isaksson is across to make the save. Silent atmosphere inside the stadium, meanwhile, as Sweden continue to sit back and defend. It has worked thus far, but can Portugal make them pay?

Larsson has his name taken as the Sunderland midfielder is penalised for a trip on Coentrao just outside the box. Meanwhile, Sweden make their first change as Wernbloom replaces Elm. The resulting free kick is taken by Ronaldo, but his effort is straight into the wall. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining in Portugal.

Half-chance for Ronaldo to meet a cross from Nani, but Nilsson is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Sweden manage to break down the other end with Larsson, but the attack comes to nothing. You just get the feeling that something will occur in the latter stages. Just the one change for each side with 75 minutes on the clock. Sweden will be happy with a 0-0 draw there is no question about that.

Stunning save from Isaksson as he manages to keep one out from Ronaldo, but the flag had been raised. Either way, it was some stop from the goalkeeper. Backs against the wall as Sweden continue to defend the edge of their own box. It is as we were as the second period enters its latter stages.

Booking for Ronaldo, which is not well received, as the Portugal skipper clashes with Isaksson. Moments later, Sweden make their second change as Svensson replaces Kallstrom. Real sense of ill-feeling in this match as arguments continue to break out all over the pitch. In truth, the match has not lived up to expectations.

Portugal make their second change as Josue replaces Meireles, who has struggled to influence proceedings in the second period. Portugal are asked to do some defending moments later as Sweden force two corners in quick succession, but Coentrao and Alves take it in turns to clear the danger.

Controversial moment here as Elmander goes down inside the Portugal box. The penalty is not given, but Elmander is on a yellow card. He should have walked for simulation there. Nani has possession down the other end moments later, but once more his cross is poor.

Portugal finally open the scoring after 82 minutes. It just had to be Ronaldo as the skipper meets a cross from Veloso, with his header thumping into the back of the net. Real sense of relief inside the stadium.

Different atmosphere inside the stadium now as the home side continue to push forward in search of their second. In truth, it would not have been a fair reflection of events had Portugal not scored at least once this evening. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining in Lisbon.

CROSSBAR! Another wonderful chance for Ronaldo to score his second as the Real Madrid forward meets another cross from Veloso, but his header thumps against the crossbar. That could have been tie over.

Sweden cannot get out of their own box at the moment as Portugal continue to force the issue. Ronaldo wins another header inside the area, but this time the referee whistles for a free kick. Sweden make their third and final change moments later as Gerndt replaces Elmander, who has been impressive this evening.

Another half-chance for Ronaldo as he collects a pass from Moutinho on the edge of the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those.

So there we have it. The referee brings the match to an end with Portugal holding a one-goal advantage courtesy of a header from Ronaldo. Just a reminder that the second leg will come next week. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!