Japan and Sweden seal last-32 spots after Dallas draw
Japan and Sweden secured their passage to 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 hour mark, but Anthony Elanga’s spectacular strike ensured Sweden claimed the point needed to advance.
The result saw Japan finish as runners-up behind the Netherlands, who defeated Tunisia to top the group. Sweden settled for third place, though their reward remains uncertain with conflicting reports suggesting they will face either Morocco or one of France or Norway in the next round. 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 interval and broke the deadlock in the 56th minute. Ritsu Doan orchestrated the move, exchanging passes with Ayase Ueda before threading a first-time ball 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 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.
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. Hajime Moriyasu handed Yukinari Sugawara his first start of the tournament alongside club colleagues Hiroki Ito and Doan.
Late pressure fails to break deadlock
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, with Japan facing the five-time champions Brazil and Sweden awaiting confirmation of their round-of-32 opponents.