With Germany in control of the group, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland knew before their match this evening that they were probably playing for second spot.
With the prize of going clear in the runners-up spot at stake, it failed to inspire one of these side to go on and claim a victory.
It was a match of very few chances that always looked as though it was going to end without a goal.
Find out how the match unfolded with our minute-by-minute commentary below.
Evening all. While some matches this evening may appear to have not a lot riding on them, this one most certainly does. With both nations seemingly fighting it out for second spot, it's a match that they dare not lose. It should make for a good one.
Of course, these two are having to settle for being runners-up because this group also contains Germany. The Germans are actually in action at the moment and it isn't good news as far as Sweden and the Republic of Ireland are concerned. They are 2-0 in front thanks to Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mario Gotze. If you want to keep up to date with that clash, Sports Mole is running a live commentary here.
Not that Germany are invincible, as Sweden will testify to. In the match between the two earlier in the qualifying campaign, Germany raced into a 4-0 lead. However, four goals in the last 30 minutes saw the visiting Swedes claim the most unlikely of draws. That's what the Irish are up against tonight.
For those with short memories, here are the highlights of that incredible encounter:
Anyway, back to this match and let's bring you some team news. Giovanni Trapattoni named his Ireland lineup yesterday, so let's start with them.
IRELAND XI: Forde; Coleman, O'Shea, Clark, Wilson; Brady, Whelan, Green, McClean; Keane, Long
The big news for the Greens is that Shane Long has been picked ahead of Jonathan Walters to partner Robbie Keane in attack. It looks as though Trapattoni will look to utilise Long's pace and athleticism. Elsewhere, Paul Green has come into the midfield, while former Manchester United youngster Robbie Brady gets a start on the left-hand side of midfield.
And here is what the hosting Scandinavians will be starting with...
SWEDEN XI: Isaksson; Lustig, Olsson, Granqvist, Safari; Elm, Larsson, Kallstrom, Kacaniklic; Ibrahimovic, Hysen
There are no real surprises in what is a pretty experienced Sweden starting lineup. The Premier League is represented by Jonas Olsson and Sebastian Larsson, while Alexander Kacaniklic (on loan from Fulham at Burnley) is also included. Former Manchester City goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson has been given the nod between the posts and will make his 104th appearance for his country.
One player that I purposely left out of that last post was Zlatan Ibrahimovic. After all, the supremely talented footballer deserves a whole section to himself! He may not be everybody's cup of tea, but there is no denying his ability. When England travelled to the Friends Arena in November last year, he scored four goals, including one that was out of this world. No offence to John O'Shea and Ciaran Clark, but he will fancy his chances against the Irish centre-back pairing tonight.
It won't be just the centre-backs that are charged with the task of stopping 'Big Zlatan' though. The Paris Saint-Germain striker likes to drop deep at times, so it will also be up to Glenn Whelan and Paul Green in the centre of midfield to make sure that they carry out their defensive duties when needed.
With that in mind, I cannot help but feel that Wigan Athletic's James McCarthy would be more suited to that role than Green. He has shown for Wigan in the Premier League this season that he is more than capable of putting in a defensive shift. At just 22 as well, he will easily get around the pitch for 90 minutes.
Another player that always seems to be overlooked by Trapattoni is Wes Hoolahan of Norwich City. He is 30-years-old, and yet he has just three caps. It's understandable that Trap is keen to keep things tonight, but he was one of the most creative players in the Ireland squad. He could be the difference between them claiming a draw and winning.
Right then, just under 15 minutes until we get started and the Friends Arena is filling up nicely. There is a good number of Irish fans over for the game, not that it is much of a surprise. They normally travel so well and did themselves proud at Euro 2012.
Right, the players are now moving into the tunnel. Not long now until we get started. But first we are going to have the anthems...
Here we got then, hosting Sweden get us started in the Friends Arena. Game on!
It's been a positive start from the visiting Irish so far. They are keeping the ball very well and are looking extremely confident. There's a long way to go obviously, but the early signs have all been positive if you are of an Irish persuasion.
It also seems that Ireland may have identified Isaksson in the Sweden goal as a potential weak link. Whenever the opportunity has arose, they have been quick to loft the ball into the area and then put pressure on the Swedish keeper. He's held firm so far, but hasn't always appeared massively confident. We've still seen very little from the home side as an attacking force.
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CHANCE! A big opportunity for Ireland and Long is wasted by the West Bromwich Albion striker. He collects the ball 40 yards from goal and begins to weave his way forward. Before he knows it, he's on the edge of the area as the Swedish defence parts like the Red Sea. That is where his composure goes though and the ball flies well over the bar.
It's also worth noting that the Irish made a late alteration to their starting lineup. For one reason or another Brady is not included on the wing. Instead, Walters has been given that responsibility. Whether Brady is injured or not, we will have to wait and see.
Sweden have begun to slowly play their way into the encounter, but they are still yet to cause the Irish a real problem. If anything, the Greens still look the more likely to break the deadlock. A quick Twitter search shows that most Ireland fans are happy with what they have seen so far. "Better than expected" has been a popular phrase!
SAVE! First piece of action for David Forde and the Irish keeper is up to the task. Ibrahimovic is the creator, flicking the ball on for Tobias Hysen, who tries an ambitious volley from the edge of the penalty box. It's always lacking in power though and a diving Forde is able to gather with ease. At least that is a sign of intent from the hosts.
SAVE! Now Sweden are beginning to ask a few questions. Thankfully for Ireland, Forde has the correct answer again as Kallstrom's free kick from the right evades everyone and looks to be bouncing into the bottom corner. The keeper gets across his line though and palms clear the danger.
It's now Sweden that are in the ascendancy. There is much more urgency about their play and they are now playing inside the Irish half. That wasn't happening during the opening 20 minutes or so. That's not to say that Ireland's threat has vanished, because it hasn't. There is still plenty in this match for them.
CHANCE! It's by no means the best shot that Ibrahimovic has ever stuck, but it almost gave his nation the lead. He decides to try his luck to the left of the target, but O'Shea gets in the way. The ball squirms towards goal though and just goes wide of the target as it nestles into the side netting.
BOOKING! An Ireland corner is cleared and Kacaniklic looks to race away down the right wing. His route is halted by Paul Green, who sticks out his foot to trip up the Fulham winger. It's a deserved booking for the Leeds United midfielder, despite his complaints.
Very little happening at the moment as the game ticks towards the break. Ireland will probably be the happier of the two sides, that is unless Sweden snatch the lead in the next couple of minutes.
We will have just the one minute of stoppage time at the Friends Arena.
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HALF-TIME: Sweden 0-0 Ireland
Well, it's not been the best 45 minutes of international football that you are ever going to see, it has to be said. Credit to Ireland, they've stuck their task defensively and have actually looked lively on the break at times. They are just lacking a bit of a creative influence in the middle of the pitch.
In contrast, Sweden are bound to be disappointed with what they have offered so far. It took them until beyond the 20-minute mark to create an opening and they still have not tested Forde to the maximum. No doubt coach Erik Hamren will be demanding more urgency after the restart.
One player that may be worth introducing for Ireland is Hoolahan. The Norwich midfielder possesses that bit of craft that has been lacking so far. He could even come on for Robbie Keane and play off Long because the skipper has done very little so far. He may prove me wrong, but since his switch to the States, he is nowhere near the same player.
The players are back out and Ireland have restarted the match. Let's hope for a few more chances during the second 45 minutes.
Just as they did in the first half, Ireland have begun very well. They are getting the ball wide and are looking to get the ball in the box as early as possible. Sweden look as though they are still in the dressing room though. It's been a really disappointing display from the men in yellow so far.
A bit like Ronaldo did for Portugal earlier, Ibrahimovic is cutting a frustrated figure tonight. He is used to playing with a better quality of player at PSG and you can see his disappointment when a pass goes astray. In a way you can understand his attitude, but at the same time it should be nothing new to him. If anything, it should spur him on to produce the goods.
A cross from Long causes panic in the Sweden defence, but there is nobody from the Irish team willing to gamble and the danger is cleared. If they are going to win this match, the Greens need to start committing more men forward and take the odd risk.
One part of Sweden's play that has been particularly poor tonight is their corners. Virtually every one has been floated into the area and Forde has waltzed off his line to catch without a challenge. It's summed the game up really.
I cannot recall a major save that either goalkeeper has been forced to make tonight. It's been far too easy for them. There is just a distinct lack of quality about both of these teams. No wonder Germany are running away with the group at the moment.
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SUBSTITUTION: A change for Sweden as the largely ineffective Hysen is taken off and on comes PSV Eindhoven's Ola Toivonen. He is more of a midfielder, so not quite sure how that switch is going to work. Maybe he will move further up the pitch to support Ibra.
SUBSTITUTION: Here comes the pint-sized Hoolahan and it is the change that I called earlier. He has come on for captain Keane, who does not look too happy. He's been pretty quiet though, it has to be said. O'Shea has taken over the skippering duties.
We've just been informed that there are almost 50,000 supporters inside the Friends Arena tonight. My guess is that the majority wish they hadn't bothered! The game has descended into walking pace, with both looking happy to take a draw.
Still very little happening as the game enters the closing stages. To be fair to Ireland, they are trying to go forward, but too often the move is breaking down in key areas. Six minutes to find a winner for either side.
SUBSTITUTION: Final roll of the dice for Ireland as Long, who has worked tirelessly tonight, is given a well deserved breather. On his place is Connor Sammon, who plays his club football for Derby County. He's never scored for his country, now would be a good time.
There will be just two minutes of stoppage time at the end of this match...
FULL TIME: Sweden 0-0 Ireland
Well, it was hardly a classic, but it's a good point for Ireland from a tricky country to visit. They will be by far the happier side, while the home side will be disappointed with how little of a threat they posed.
That's all we have time for from Sweden. Thanks for joining us this evening and until next time, goodbye.
