Paris: Cristiano Ronaldo won the first battle in his bid to lead Portugal past Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Sweden in their World Cup play-off, but the contest between the two is still 90 minutes from a decision.
Ronaldo's 82nd minute diving header gave Portugal a precious 1-0 lead in Friday's first leg in Lisbon. But Sweden defender Jonas Olsson says his teammate Ibrahimovic will be key in Tuesday's second leg in Solna in a match which will decide who goes to Brazil next year and who stays home.
Olsson rates Ibrahimovic in the same class not only as Ronaldo but also Lionel Messi. “I've been saying that for quite some time and it's good to see that it's now being recognised,“ he said. “I think all three are amazing players with different qualities but what makes Zlatan so incredible is that he combines his technical skills with that physical presence of his, which is very unique.
“He's just amazing. You train with him in the national team and sometimes the things he does are really unbelievable.
I've played with some very talented players in England but for me Zlatan is on another level all of his own,“ he said. Ronaldo has won almost every club honour on offer including the Champions League, league titles and domestic Cups in England and Spain although one thing he does have in common with the Swede and Messi is that none of them have won the World Cup.
The 28-year-old was on side for Portugal during the shock Euro 2004 final defeat to Greece.
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