In the final match of World Cup Group F, Japan and Sweden played to a 1-1 draw, securing both teams a place in the round of 32. Anthony Elanga equalized for Sweden in the 62nd minute, just six minutes after Daizen Maeda had given Japan the lead.
With this result, Japan finish the group stage with five points, second place, and will face Brazil, the five-time world champions, in the round of 32. Sweden, meanwhile, finished third with four points but still advanced as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
The first half was largely uneventful, with only a few notable chances late in the period. Japan’s Keito Nakamura nearly opened the scoring with a powerful shot that forced Sweden goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom into a save. At the other end, Viktor Gyokeres had a chance but his shot was deflected wide.
In the second half, Japan came out with more determination. A key pass from Ritsu Doan was the highlight, as he slipped the ball into the space between Sweden’s two centre-backs for Maeda to run onto and finish precisely, putting Japan ahead in the 56th minute.
However, Japan’s joy lasted only six minutes. Anthony Elanga replied with a fine curling shot from the edge of the box that sailed past Japan’s defence and goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, making it 1-1 for Sweden.
In the closing minutes, goalkeeper Suzuki made two outstanding saves, denying Alexander Isak, to help Japan hold the draw and secure second place in Group F.
