LISBON, March 28 (Reuters) - Portugal face an uphill

struggle to reach the World Cup finals after wasting a host of

chances in a 0-0 qualifying draw with Sweden on Saturday.

With Group One's joint leaders Denmark and Hungary posting

away wins against Malta and Albania respectively, Portugal now

have little room for error and must turn their attacking

displays into victories to have any chance of progressing.

Denmark have 10 points from four matches, the same haul as

Hungary who have played a game more. Portugal and Sweden are

level on six points.

"We're frustrated after so much effort and a good display.

Unfortunately football is not for those who deserve it but for

those who win," said Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz.

"It's not over though we have to admit we are in a more

difficult situation."

Portugal dominated the first half and came close to scoring

in the 17th minute when Tiago almost made the most of a bad back

pass to Sweden keeper Andreas Isaksson.

Tiago then supplied Cristiano Ronaldo on the right, only for

the winger's attempt to chip Isaksson to go wide.

Sweden had another escape in the 24th minute when Duda's

cross from the left wing hit the post after deceiving the

keeper.

A flowing move on 43 minutes involving Ronaldo, Tiago and

Raul Meireles ended with Simao Sabrosa's volley going just wide

and Portugal suffered another blow moments later when defender

Jose Bosingwa limped off injured.

Danny continued Portugal's poor finishing in the second half

when he failed to hit the target after an excellent pass from

Tiago.

The visitors, missing striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic through

suspension, seemed to settle for a draw.

Sweden's best chance came on 55 minutes when Johan Elmander

forced Eduardo Carvalho into a close range save but they rarely

threatened.

Playmaker Deco came on as a substitute after 62 minutes and

had two good chances to break the deadlock for Portugal when a

low drive was saved by Isaksson and a curling shot flew inches

wide.

"Portugal played better but we defended very well and you

could say we earned the draw," said Sweden coach Lars Lagerback.

"Of course I am satisfied with a point here. We still have

to play two games against Denmark so everything is open in this

group."