Portugal, Sweden’s big stars face WCup moment of truth
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The battle for the final four European places for next year’s World Cup finals get underway today with France and Portugal battling to join the likes of fellow continental heavyweights holders Spain and Germany in Brazil.
Portugal, led by superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, has the toughest playoff as it faces Sweden, which has its own icon in Zlatan Ibrahimovic leading its line.
Former champion France travels to Kiev to play Ukraine. The other two playoffs pit goal-shy Greece against Romania while the fairytale could be provided by Iceland, bidding to become the smallest country to ever qualify for the finals, as it hosts 1998 semifinalist Croatia.
Portugal coach Paulo Bento, who guided the side to last year’s Euro semifinals, knows expectations are high.
“I can understand why there might be greater expectations because it’s (the World Cup) in Brazil, although our objective would be exactly the same if it was being held somewhere else too,” the 44-year-old told Fifa.com. “Our level of ambition wouldn’t change. But a fact’s a fact. Outside the camp, expectations are really high about us getting there, because it’s being played in Brazil and because they’re Portuguese speakers.
Many neutrals are disappointed that one of Ronaldo or Ibrahimovic will miss out, but the PSG striker says his team deserves its place in Brazil.
“We have had tough matches during qualification but this has only stimulated us,” said Ibrahimovic. “Portugal are probably favorites given its team and its individuals, but we came second in a group featuring Germany and we deserve to go to Brazil more,” the Swede added.
On Wednesday, Mexico swept New Zealand aside 5-1 in the first leg of its intercontinental playoff to become the overwhelming favorite for a place at next year’s World Cup finals.
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