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Portugal national football team
World Cup | Qualifiers
Nov 15, 2013 at 7.45pm UK
 
Sweden national football team

1-0

Ronaldo (82')
FT(HT: 0-0)

Crisriano Ronaldo focused after "important" winner

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo believes that his late winner against Sweden last night could prove vital in a tight World Cup playoff.

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted that his side can be happy with securing a 1-0 advantage over Sweden after a tight start to their World Cup playoff in Lisbon.

Ronaldo's goal eight minutes from time ensures that Portugal take a slender advantage to Stockholm on Tuesday, as both sides fight for a spot in next summer's finals.

The Real Madrid winger has admitted that Portugal are likely to need another goal when the tie resumes next week, but believes that they can travel to Sweden with confidence after a solid display last night.

He told reporters: "It was an important goal and enough to give us the victory. We could have done with one or two more goals, but it did not happen.

"We have to be happy with the result and, on Tuesday, we have another battle. We may take to the field with just a minimal advantage, but it's better than a draw.

"It would have been better to have scored another goal, and now we may have to score in Sweden. We will give it our best and nobody wants to miss being in Brazil."

Paulo Bento's side will book their ticket to Brazil if they avoid defeat in the second leg on Tuesday.

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Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the FIFA 2014 World Cup qualifier play-off first leg football match Portugal vs Sweden at the Luz stadium in Lisbon on November 15, 2013
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Q Netherlands Netherlands32107
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