Portugal face an uphill struggle to reach the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ after wasting a host of chances in a 0-0 draw with Sweden.
After today's games, group leaders Denmark have 10 points from four matches, the same haul as Hungary, who have played a game more. Portugal are third, four points off the pace. 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, watch a low drive saved by Isaksson and curling in a shot that flew inches wide.
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