Ireland vs. Sweden: Score, Grades and Post-Match Reaction

Anders Svensson marked a record-tying night with a second-half winner as Sweden came from behind to defeat the Republic of Ireland 2-1 on Friday in their UEFA Group C World Cup qualifying match in Dublin. With the victory, Sweden took pole position in the race for second place and a spot in the qualification playoffs.

Through seven of 10 matches, Germany lead Group C with 19 points, while Sweden (14 points) sit three points ahead of chasing Austria and Ireland. The winner of each group qualifies automatically for next year's World Cup, and the top eight runners-up enter the playoffs for the final four berths.

Svensson, 37, was making his 143rd international appearance, tied with Thomas Ravelli for the most in Sweden's history. With the score tied 1-1 in the 57th minute, Svensson ran onto Zlatan Ibrahimovic's defence-splitting pass and stroked the ball into the net for the winner.

Ireland had taken the lead in the 21st minute through Robbie Keane's 60th international goal, but Johan Elmander equalised for Sweden 11 minutes later with a powerful header. The hosts threatened again in the 88th minute, but Keane could not reach Shane Long's header in front of Andreas Isaksson.

"We started very well, and took advantage in the first-half," Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni told RTÉ after the match (per Ronan Murphy of Goal.com). "But two episodes decided the match. They played physically. They took the two opportunities very well. They scored. They took these two opportunities. In the first half we had more shots."

Realistically, Ireland must now win at Austria on Tuesday to keep their hopes of reaching the playoffs alive. Following that match, Trapattoni's team must travel to group leaders Germany, who won, 6-1, in Dublin last October.

Sweden, meanwhile, play at Kazakhstan on Tuesday before finishing with home games against Austria and Germany.

"We think about what we can do," Trapattoni said. "At the moment, we are third. We need to win in Austria. We need a result in Germany, and after we must beat Kazakhstan."

Grades

Outlook: Republic of Ireland: D

It doesn't look good for the Irish, who realistically must beat Austria on Tuesday to stay alive. After that, Trapattoni's team face a trip to Germany, who won, 6-1, in Dublin last year.

If there is any consolation for Ireland, though, it's that Germany may have qualified by the time Ireland visit. Even so, the Germans are one of the top sides in the world at the moment, and even a draw would be an excellent result for Ireland. 

Outlook: Sweden: B+

Sweden are admittedly in pole position, but the job is not done yet. Traveling to Kazakhstan is no easy task, no matter what the rankings say. Such a long trek will take its toll.

After that, Sweden host Austria, who might still be alive in the race for the playoffs. If so, another result will be needed.

That said, the situation is looking good for Zlatan and Co.

Up next

Sweden play at Kazakhstan on Tuesday, while Ireland play at Austria.