Sweden may be in a difficult position following the 1-0 defeat in the first leg, but the Nordic side can take heart from what was a very good performance in Lisbon.

Meanwhile, Portugal were pretty fortunate to record an important victory and they clearly need to show some improvement if they want to qualify for the tournament finals.

Boss Erik Hamren was under pressure following a somewhat disappointing showing at the Euro 2012, but the decision to stick with the former Rosenborg coach proved spot on.

The experienced manager led Sweden to the second place in what was a very strong qualifying group, featuring the likes of Germany, Austria and Republic of Ireland among others.

And while the Nordic side were unlucky to be pitted against Euro 2012 semi-finalists Portugal in the play-offs, they went on to prove once again they can mix it up even with the best of them in Europe.

Having created several very good chances to score before Cristiano Ronaldo scored a late winner, Sweden have reason to feel sorry for themselves, but the good performance at Estadio da Luz should keep them in good stead for the return match.

Given that Sweden had won four straight matches at home before losing to Germany in October, home win should be considered at 2.75 (7/4).

And even though Zlatan Ibrahimovic failed to make an impact in the first leg, the PSG striker is 2.60 (8/5) to score at anytime.

With no fresh selection worries to report, Erik Hamren is likely to stick to the same side that started the first leg at Estadio da Luz.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-1-1): Isaksson – Lustig, Antonsson, Nilsson, Martin Olsson – Larsson, R. Elm, Kallstrom, Kacaniklic – Ibrahimovic – Elmander.

Unlike their next opponents, Portugal have largely struggled to live up to the billing in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

The Seleccao couldn’t keep up with group leaders Russia and ended up winning the second place, but they went into the Sweden play-offs low on confidence.

As a result, Paulo Bento’s side couldn’t quite impose their game on the opposition and they needed a big smile from the Lady Luck, as well as a help from Cristiano Ronaldo to record a 1-0 victory.

Chances are that Seleccao face an even tougher task in the return leg, but they remain 1.29 (2/7) favourites to go through.

Meanwhile, after scoring the all-important goal in the first leg, Cristiano Ronaldo is 2.40 (7/5) to repeat the feat in the return match.

With Cristiano Ronaldo, Fabio Coentrao and Pepe resuming full training, Paulo Bento will have fully fit squad to choose from.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Patricio – Pereira, Pepe, Alves, Coentrao – Meireles, Veloso, Moutinho – Nani, Postiga, Ronaldo.