Japan and Sweden secure knockout passage after Group F stalemate
Japan and Sweden secured their places in the World Cup Round of 32 following a 1-1 draw in Dallas that confirmed their final positions in Group F. Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead shortly after the interval, but Anthony Elanga’s spectacular strike ensured Sweden claimed the point required to advance.
The result saw Japan finish as runners-up behind the Netherlands, who topped the group after defeating Tunisia. Sweden settled for third place, though their next opponents remain uncertain with conflicting reports suggesting they will face either Morocco or one of France or Norway. Japan will meet Brazil in Houston on Monday.
Second-half goals enliven cautious contest
Both sides approached the opening 45 minutes with caution, aware that the Netherlands’ comfortable lead against Tunisia meant a draw would suit both teams’ qualification ambitions. Clear-cut chances were scarce until first-half injury time, when Keito Nakamura tested Sweden goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström with a precise effort.
Japan emerged with greater urgency after the break and broke the deadlock in the 56th minute. Ritsu Doan played a one-two with Ayase Ueda before threading a first-time pass to Maeda, who timed his run perfectly and finished clinically.
Sweden required just eight minutes to restore parity. Viktor Gyökeres drew defenders away with an unselfish run, allowing Elanga to cut inside from the right and unleash a swerving long-range shot that deceived Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
Injuries disrupt defensive lines
Both defences were reshaped during the first half due to injury. Sweden lost centre-back Isaac Hien to a hamstring problem following an earlier booking for a foul on Ueda, with Lucas Bergvall replacing him. Japan suffered a similar blow when Ko Itakura withdrew, making way for Shogo Taniguchi.
Hajime Moriyasu handed Yukinari Sugawara his first start of the tournament alongside club colleagues Hiroki Ito and Doan. Graham Potter’s side, which had conceded five goals against the Netherlands after beating Tunisia by the same scoreline, showed improved defensive organisation with Victor Lindelöf screening the backline.
Knockout stage assignments
Sweden finished the stronger side, forcing Suzuki into late saves from Elanga and Alexander Isak, but neither team could find a winner. The draw ensures both nations extend their campaigns into the knockout stages.
Japan will face five-time champions Brazil in Houston on Monday, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 UK time. Italian referee Maurizio Mariani has been appointed to officiate the fixture, assisted by Daniele Bindoni and Alberto Tegoni, with Sandro Scharer serving as fourth official. Mariani, the only Italian referee at the tournament, previously took charge of Saudi Arabia versus Uruguay and Colombia versus DR Congo.
Sweden’s round-of-32 opponents remain unconfirmed. While one report suggests they will face Morocco, another indicates they could meet either France or Norway.