World Cup

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World Cup | Qualifiers

Nov 15, 2013 at 7.45pm UK

Portugal
1-0
Sweden

Ronaldo (82')

FT(HT: 0-0)

Team News: Cristiano Ronaldo starts on wing for Portugal

By Joe Fish, Reporter

Published: November 15 2013 | 19:16

Last updated: November 16 2013 | 15:22

Cristiano Ronaldo will play off the left wing for Portugal, and not through the middle, in their World Cup playoff first leg with Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Sweden in Lisbon.

Cristiano Ronaldo will start on the wing for Portugal tonight in his country's World Cup qualifying first-leg playoff showdown with Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Sweden.

The Real Madrid forward is sometimes used through the middle for the hosts, but has been shifted to the left flank in Lisbon this evening to make room for central striker Helder Postiga.

Ronaldo's Los Blancos teammates Pepe and Fabio Coentrao are fit to line up alongside him, while Joao Moutinho, who provided more assists during the group stages than anyone else, plays in midfield.

Manchester United's Nani is the only Premier League representative in the home XI against a Swedish side captained by Ibrahimovic and showcasing four stars from England's top flight.

Fulham's Alexander Kacaniklic, Sunderland's Sebastian Larsson and Norwich City pair Martin Olsson and Johan Elmander feature from the off for the visitors at the Estadio da Luz.

Portugal: Patricio; Pereira, Alves, Pepe, Coentrao; Veloso, Moutinho; Nani, Meireles, Ronaldo; Postiga

Sweden: Isaksson; Lustig, Nilsson, Antonsson, Olsson; Elm, Larsson, Kallstrom; Elmander, Ibrahimovic, Kacaniklic