Sweden vs. Portugal World Cup Playoffs 2014 Second Leg: Live Stream, Score, Preview, Prediction, Schedule 2:45 p.m. EST
Portugal and Sweden will do battle in the second leg of the World Cup playoffs on Tuesday.
The two sides played in a tepid match on Friday that looked headed for a 0-0 draw. However, superstar Cristiano Ronaldo scored a superb header goal with time winding down to give his nation a 1-0 lead on the aggregate. Ronaldo's main rival Zlatan Ibrahimovic was most ineffective throughout the game thanks to some strong defending from Portugal's Pepe.
Despite the advantage, Ronaldo knows that a lot can change quickly in the second leg.
"I scored a vital goal which gave us the victory," Ronaldo said according to ESPN. "We could have scored more but in the end it wasn't to be. We would have liked to have taken a bigger margin with us from the game, and we could have done that.
"We have to be happy with the result but on Tuesday we have a new battle. We'll go onto the pitch with the smallest of advantages, but this scoreline, even though it's minimal, is better than a draw," he added. "We will go to Sweden and give our all, because no player wants to miss out on the World Cup in Brazil."
The next goal could be huge for both sides. A goal for Portugal means that Sweden must score three to overcome the two goal deficit and the away goal. If Portugal scored first, a 2-1 victory would still eliminate Sweden.
If Sweden scores the opener, then the aggregate would be level and the following goal would likely decide the playoff.
Prediction: The situation is fragile for both sides and it should be an exciting game from the outset with Portugal looking to seal the deal and Sweden looking to level the aggregate. Expect Ibrahimovic and Sweden to score first but wind up drawing 1-1 in the match as Ronaldo and Portugal manage the tie.
Start Time: Kick off begins at 2:45 p.m. EST