1-0: Cristiano Ronaldo gives Portugal the win over Sweden

A header by the Real Madrid forward gave Portugal the win and brings his team a step closer to the World Cup; Pepe and Coentrão were also on the starting 11
Realmadrid.com

Cristiano Ronaldo scored Portugal’s winning goal over Sweden in the first round of the play-offs for the 2014 World Cup. With numerous chances to score the Real Madrid forward was the local team’s biggest threat on the pitch. In the 82th minute, just when a draw seemed inevitable, Madrid’s number seven headed one past Veloso to bring the crowd to its feet. Three minutes later Cristiano Ronaldo had a chance to increase Portugal’s lead with another header that ricocheted off the pole.

What was an evenly-matched game with both teams trying their luck in front of the goal in the first half began to tip in favour of Portugal after the restart. Portugal dominated on possession and kept the Swedes from getting close to Rui Patricio’s goal and Cristiano Ronaldo’s header in the 82th minute opened the way for Portugal to increase their control of the game in the final minutes of the clash. The locals had a clear opportunity to play the second leg in Sweden with an even bigger advantage but the post and Isaksson kept Portugal from netting a second. All three Real Madrid players were on the starting 11 for the first play-off match against the Swedish side and played the full 90 minutes.