Ireland and Sweden will look to improve their World Cup 2014 qualification chances when they face off on Friday.
Both teams are stuck in a three-way tie for second place. The first place team automatically books a spot in the World Cup Finals next summer in Brazil. The second place team gets seeded into a playoff with another second place team. The winner of the two legged playoff winds up booking a spot in next year's World Cup.
Ireland, Sweden and Austria all have 11 points heading into Friday, and Germany sits atop the group with 16. Austria plays Germany on Friday, while Ireland and Sweden are slated to take on the favored side in coming matches.
The last time Ireland and Sweden met, the two sides battled to a 0-0 draw in Ireland. The winner of this game could potentially jump into second place and control over their own destiny. Ireland will have to pull out a win without the services of Stephen Kelly. The player reportedly withdrew from the team for family reasons.
"Stephen Kelly has withdrawn from the Ireland squad to face Sweden this Friday for family reasons," said the team, according to The Independent. "He has been in touch with the manager, who has given Stephen permission to stay at home on this occasion."
Prediction: Sweden will be home and will use that to its advantage. However, Ireland is a strong side and will push this game to a 1-1 draw.
Start Time: 2:45 p.m. EST
Watch Live Stream HERE.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
