Swedes snap up tickets for Ireland's visit to Gothenburg

The Republic of Ireland can expect a big atmosphere in Gothenburg when they take on Sweden next month after 6,000 tickets were sold in just three days for the crucial World Cup qualifier.

The 18,000-capacity Gamla Ullevi hosts the collision between Group A's top two sides.

Sweden, ranked No 2 in the world, have won all five of their games so far including a 1-0 victory at Tallaght Stadium against Ireland last October.

Ireland are second having amassed seven points from the four games they've played to date.

The Swedes play Georgia on 7 April before the Irish come to town five days later, and could potentially seal their qualification as group winners if they collect six points from those two games.

That prospect has clearly ramped up interest levels even further among the Swedes - with another big attendance on the cards.

In November, Sweden earned a vital 2-1 win against Finland in front of 13,429 fans at Gamla Ullevi. That was a record crowd for their women's side, but it is likely to be bettered next month.

It's a huge task for Vera Pauw's side but they have already proven capable of rising to the occasion in partisan environments.

In October the Finnish FA moved their meeting to the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki as part of celebrations marking 50 years of women's football in the country, but the Girls in Green thrived in a boisterous atmosphere to take the points.

They've had record support themselves - 5,164 watched Ireland draw 1-1 with Slovakia last November - but Pauw knows Sweden pose the biggest challenge they will face in this campaign.

Winning the group was never the target. Second, and a play-off spot, is what Ireland want so any sort of result in Gothenburg would be a huge bonus.

Not that the players are thinking in