Sweden 0-0 Portugal: Elmander fluffs lines
STOCKHOLM, Oct 11 (Reuters) - Johan Elmander missed three good first-half chances in Sweden's 0-0 draw with Portugal in World Cup Group One qualifying on Saturday.
The Bolton Wanderers striker went wide in the seventh minute
after excellent work by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was captaining
his country for the first time in the absence of Henrik Larsson.
Twenty minutes later Elmander fired a volley over the
crossbar before he failed to hit the target with a header just
before halftime.
The result gave second-placed Sweden five points from three
games, one ahead of Portugal in third spot. Denmark lead the way
on seven points.
The home side were disciplined and well organised, with
Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo reduced to a peripheral figure
especially in the first half.
The Manchester United player, booed by the crowd for most of
the match, helped set up a scoring opportunity for Hugo Almeida
in the 33rd minute but his effort was saved by keeper Andreas
Isaksson.
The visitors raised their game after halftime and got better
as the match wore on.
Joao Moutinho went narrowly wide in the 52nd minute before
Raul Meireles forced a fine stop from Isaksson.