There was no Premier League football this weekend so I'll take a look back at all the action from the first legs of the World Cup qualifiers. Ibrahimovic faced up against Ronaldo in Portugal, Ukraine took on France, Greece were drawn against Romania and Iceland were playing Croatia.
Portugal 1-0 Sweden
This clash meant only one of the two European superstars, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cristiano Ronaldo, could make it to the Brazil World Cup. Portugal had the majority of the possession but Sweden defended resolutely throughout the main part of the game. The Swedish centre back pairing of Antonsson and Nilsson were very busy, dealing with what seemed like hundreds of crosses. In the 82nd minute Portugal finally made their breakthrough. Ronaldo heading home from close range to earn the home side a 1-0 lead going into the second leg in Sweden.
Ukraine 2-0 France
The joint hosts of the most recent European Championships, Ukraine, will take a surprise two goal advantage to France after a first leg which saw both teams have a man sent off. Zozulya got the home team's first and Yarmolenko added a penalty in the 83rd minute. France had Laurent Koscielny sent off late on which won't help them in their quest to overcome the two-goal deficit.
Greece 3-1 Romania
Shock qualifiers Romania were brought back down to earth with a bump at the hands of Greece. Mitroglou thrust Greece into the lead after just fifteen minutes before two quick-fire goals: first Stancu pulled Romania level then, just one minute later, Salpingidis restored the Greeks' lead. Mitroglou scored again to seal the victory before Romania had a man sent off for two yellow cards.
Iceland 0-0 Croatia
Iceland managed to hold Croatia to a goal-less draw despite having Skulason sent off at the start of the second half. The draw keeps both teams' World Cup dreams alive heading into the second leg in Croatia.
That's my recap of the World Cup qualifiers; we've almost found out the final four teams on the plane to Brazil in 2014. There is still plenty of drama to be expected from the second leg of each match on Tuesday and I know I can't wait!
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