Zlatan to face Ronaldo in play-offs

Portugal versus Sweden is the pick of the four play-offs, which will be played over two legs, while unseeded France will face a tough battle against Ukraine, whom England failed to beat in two qualifying matches.

The presence of stars such as Real Madrid's Ronaldo and Manchester United's Nani means Portugal will go into the play-offs as favourites but they struggled in what had looked a straightforward qualifying group, finishing runners-up to Russia.

Portugal coach Paulo Bento warned that in Paris St Germain forward Ibrahimovic, Sweden have a potential matchwinner.

He said in statement: "We have two tough games against a side that, as well as having one of the best strikers in the world, plays well as a team.

"Sweden finished second in a group that contained Germany, one of the contenders to win the whole tournament.

"The key is to be prepared, and to be confident that we have a real chance of reaching the finals."

Sweden gave a warning of their talents with a 4-4 draw against group winners Germany in qualifying.

As for France, they will have to go one better than England and beat Ukraine - Roy Hodgson's men drew 0-0 away from home and only managed a 1-1 draw at Wembley.

France heach coach Didier Deschamps is relieved Les Bleus will be at home for the second leg, and said: "It will not be easy against a Ukrainian team which has now played seven games without defeat.

"Ukraine may not have superstars like Portugal or Croatia but they were seeded and it is important that we respect their quality.

Iceland have a great chance of making it to their first ever World Cup after being drawn against Croatia, perhaps least dangerous of the seeded sides, while unseeded Romania will face Greece.

The two-legged play-offs are to be played on November 15 and 19 to decide the four remaining European teams to go to the World Cup in Brazil next summer.

European World Cup Qualifying play-off draw:

Portugal v Sweden

Ukraine v France

Greece v Romania

Iceland v Croatia