It was billed as a showdown between two of the world’s greats. And, for once, that’s exactly how it panned out. In an extraordinary World Cup playoff second leg, Cristiano Ronaldo struck a brilliant hat-trick to outdo the two goals of Zlatan Ibrahomvic and send Portugal to Brazil at Sweden’s expense, with a 3-2 victory on the night and a 4-2 win on aggregate.
After Ronaldo grabbed the only goal in Lisbon last week, he looked to have put Portugal on the road to a comfortable path to the World Cup with the opener in Solna five minutes into the second half. But Ibrahomvic hit back with two goals in five minutes to suddenly put the momentum with the home side, who then needed to score just once more to progress on away goals. But Sweden’s adrenaline and desperation to get a winner meant they left themselves crudely exposed as Ronaldo twice raced into the clear to finish and end the hopes of the hosts.
With the Ballon d’Or set to be decided early next year, Ronaldo has surely now put himself in pole position, despite the best efforts of Ibrahimovic in recent months and on the night. As much as Ronaldo will get the headlines, though, it must also be said that he was aided by a better support cast. In particular Joao Moutinho deserves massive credit for his two superb through balls for Ronaldo’s first and third goals.
More to follow.
Sweden vs Portugal 2:3 GOALS HIGHLIGHTS by footballdaily2
VIDEO Portugal 3-2 Sweden: Highlights; Three Goals From Cristiano Ronaldo Send Portugal To The World Cup Despite Zlatan Ibrahimovic Double
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