Lewandowski vs Ibrahimovic could get tasty as Sweden star makes 'slap in the face' dig

But when it comes to Poland and Sweden, there is a ton of added spice between the two nations.

AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic comes up against a striker who dares to be better than Zlatan - and could deny him an international swansong at Qatar 2022.

And that man, Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski, the deadliest forward in the game right now, also finds his place on world football's biggest stage at risk.

Both players are comfortably the greatest in their nation's history, but one will be forced to sit at home and watch the other this winter.

Of their combined 136 international goals (74 for Lewandowski and 62 for Ibrahimovic), few would feel more important than a winner tonight.

At 40-years old, even a machine like Ibrahimovic would fear this is his last opportunity to play at a World Cup, while 33-year-old Lewandowski will also be wary of time.

But for all that, it might be comments from Emil Forsberg which provide the biggest edge ahead of tonight's clash.

Last time these two nations met, it was a thrilling 3-2 victory for Sweden at Euro 2020 last summer, which dumped Poland out at the group stage.

Reflecting on that day, Swedish midfielder Forsberg, who scored the winner, said: "We won last summer, so they (Poland) will no doubt be hungry for revenge.

"It would be great to give them another slap in the face."

Another player who could have a big role to play is Manchester United and Sweden defender Victor Lindelof.

Having played with Ibrahimovic for club and country, he will hope his experience in training against a bruising centre-forward will come in handy on Tuesday night.

Speaking Lewandowski, Lindelof told FIFA.com: "What can I say? He's a fantastic player.

"He's been performing at the highest level for a number of years now.

"The amount of goals he scores, and the chances he creates, he's a top, top player. I have huge respect and admiration for him.

"It's going to be a really tough fight, but these are the challenges you most look forward to. It's going to be fun."

Ibrahimovic, who continues to score goals for Serie A leaders Milan, is expected to feature after overcoming an injury, and Lindelof hopes the talisman can inspire his nation once again.

The United centre-back added: "He's the greatest player in the history of the sport in Sweden. He means so, so much to Swedish football and the public as well.

"He's been at the highest level for so many years now and it's just remarkable how he can still perform at his age. I have huge respect for the way he has looked after his body and mind as well. He's a remarkable athlete with a great mentality."