Sweden 2 Portugal 3 (Portugal win 4-2 on aggregate)

At times during this World Cup qualification campaign, it has seemed Sweden’s approach has resembled that of their famed skipper Zlatan Ibrahimovic — nonchalant and one-paced.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic fired out a warning to the Republic of Ireland with a hat-trick in Sweden's 4-2 friendly defeat of neighbours Norway in Stockholm.

Republic of Ireland can move into second in Group C if they get past Austria at the Aviva Stadium in their World Cup Qualifier, although they will be without record goalscorer Robbie Keane.

Giovanni Trapattoni was dealt a major blow today when Ireland skipper Robbie Keane was forced to withdraw from the squad for the World Cup qualifier against Austria.

Captain Robbie Keane believes the Republic of Ireland can take huge encouragement from their goalless World Cup qualifying draw in Sweden.

Republic of Ireland defender Ciaran Clark will take big confidence from shutting out Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Ireland produced an uplifting performance to keep their World Cup dream alive with a creditable goalless draw in Sweden last night.

Mission accomplished.

Right from the opening exchanges, the night held promise. Key men on their games, getting stuck in, making their presence felt.

Now we’re back in balmy Ireland it can be revealed: the real winners in Stockholm last night were your bestest friends, the meeja.

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni was pleased with his side’s performance in their goalless World Cup qualifying draw in Sweden.

Sweden 0 Ireland 0

By close of play in the Friends Arena here in Stockholm tonight, we will know a little bit more about Giovanni Trapattoni and, in particular, whether there’s method to his madness or madness to his method.

Not for the first time, confusion ruled supreme at Giovanni Trapattoni’s pre-match press conference at the Friends Arena this afternoon.

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni believes Leeds midfielder Paul Green could be Ireland’s answer to Gennaro Gattuso.

Sweden superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic is prepared for anything the Republic of Ireland might throw at him in their crucial World Cup qualifier in Stockholm.

Sweden coach Erik Hamren would prefer if the roof on the Friends Arena was closed tomorrow in their crucial World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in Stockholm.

It is being reported that the roof will be closed over the Friends Arena for tomorrow's World Cup qualifier with Sweden.

Giovanni Trapattoni had said he was concerned about the atmosphere and Alan Kelly had expressed worries about the flight of the ball, but, seemingly resigned to the roof in the Friends Arena being closed in Stockholm tomorrow night, Marco Tardelli now says it doesn’t really matter to the visitors.

Unlike his defensive comrade in arms Richard Dunne, Sean St Ledger has made it back from lengthy injury just in time to be in contention for the World Cup qualifier against Sweden.

Football reporters are used to being told that so and so was “on fire” in training but it’s rare enough that we get to hear about an equivalent inflammable ankle.

As the olés reverberated across the old Lansdowne Road, a smiling Robbie Keane looked around and took it all in. This, it seemed at the time, had the potential to develop into something great.

As Alan Kelly was preparing to walk towards the touchline to speak to the media at Gannon Park yesterday, he remarked to team doctor Alan Byrne that it was fantastic that he would be able to report a clean bill of health to the waiting reporters.

David Forde is ready to take his big chance as he prepares to make his competitive debut for the Republic of Ireland, according to goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly.

Ciaran Clark has warned his Republic of Ireland team-mates they will not be able to relax for a second as they attempt to dent Sweden’s hopes of World Cup qualification.

It could be as late as Friday before we finally get to crack the open or shut case of the Friends Arena roof in Stockholm.

Giovanni Trapattoni is backing his defenders to keep Zlatan Ibrahimovic at bay as the Republic of Ireland attempt to take a step towards World Cup qualification in Sweden.

The exterior of Stockholm’s Friends Arena was turned green to celebrate St Patrick’s Day at the weekend, but groundstaff have a way to go to make the pitch green for Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Ireland.

It was smiles all round amongst the Irish players after they racked up a morale-boosting victory over Poland last night.

JANUARY

So, Zlatan… it seems safe enough, at this stage, to conclude that he has good feet for a big man.

England captain Steven Gerrard hailed Swedish counterpart Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s wonder fourth goal, below, as “the best I have seen” as the striker’s display meant Gerrard’s 100th cap ended in defeat.

Sweden 4 England 2

Sweden 4 England 2

Sweden captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic has urged England counterpart Steven Gerrard to quit Liverpool and move to “a big international club”.