Sweden’s Elanga earns draw with Japan to keep their World Cup alive
Sweden secures knockout stage spot
Sweden secured a 1-1 draw against Japan, ensuring both teams advanced to the World Cup knockout rounds. The equaliser came from Anthony Elanga in the 62nd minute, allowing Graham Potter’s team to share the points in Group F. This result was crucial for Sweden, particularly after their previous group match.
Elanga’s goal arrived just six minutes after Daizen Maeda had opened the scoring for Japan. Japan ultimately finished second in the group with five points, behind the Netherlands, and are now set to face Brazil in the last-32 in Houston. Sweden, with four points, finished third, which was sufficient to claim one of the eight available spots for the best third-placed teams across the 12 groups.
Reflecting on his performance, Elanga stated, “I had the feeling throughout the game that I wanted to do something today. I really have to thank Graham for the confidence he’s given me since day one.” He added, “I’m happy I scored, of course I want to win, but in the end everyone shouted at me that we need to get one point. But I’m happy we’re through, and now we have to try to play even better in the next match.”
Match dynamics and key moments
The first half of the match was largely uneventful, with few significant opportunities for either side. Moments before the interval, Keito Nakamura of Japan came close to scoring with a low strike from Maeda’s layoff, which required a full-stretch save from Jacob Widell Zetterstrom. At the other end, Viktor Gyokeres found space but his shot was deflected wide by Shogo Taniguchi.
Japan emerged with greater intensity in the second half. Their dynamic play was rewarded when Maeda completed a well-executed team goal. The move was initiated by Ritsu Doan, who received a return pass from Ayase Ueda and then slid the ball into the space between Sweden’s centre-backs for Maeda to convert. This goal put Japan in the lead and highlighted their offensive capabilities.
However, Japan’s lead was short-lived, lasting only six minutes. Elanga responded with a quality finish of his own, bending a left-foot strike from the corner of the area over the Japan defence and past the unsighted Zion Suzuki to level the score. Suzuki was then called into action again shortly after, making a sprawling save to deny Alexander Isak’s attempt as Sweden began to demonstrate their attacking prowess.
Potter had made a surprise choice in goal with Widell Zetterstrom and also brought in Elanga, who had contributed a goal in their previous match against the Netherlands. Sweden’s earlier 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands had undone some of their good work from an emphatic win over Tunisia. An early setback in the match was an apparent hamstring injury to centre-back Isak Hien, who had been criticised after the Netherlands game.
Potter acknowledged the efforts of his team, stating, “Over the course of the game I think it was a fair result and arguably we were slightly better in the second half.” He also praised Gyokeres’s contribution, describing it as “An outstanding performance from a centre-forward with his back to goal.” In stoppage time, Suzuki was crucial again, parrying Isak’s header onto the crossbar, which helped secure Japan’s second-place finish.
Looking ahead for both teams
For Japan, the path forward is clearer as they prepare for their last-32 clash with Brazil. Hajime Moriyasu expressed excitement about the upcoming challenge, viewing it as a testament to the growth of Japanese football. He referenced a previous 3-2 success against Brazil in Tokyo, indicating confidence in their ability to compete. Moriyasu stated, “Of course [Brazil] are perfect but we do believe there is a chance for us to win. We proved to Brazil that we’re not a pushover and that’s a great advancement for us.” Japan had another opportunity to extend their lead when substitute Koki Ogawa scooped over the bar.
Sweden’s next opponent in the knockout stage is still to be determined, with potential pairings including Germany, France, or Norway. This uncertainty will influence Potter’s preparations for the upcoming match. Both teams have successfully navigated the group stage, with Japan securing their spot as runners-up and Sweden advancing as one of the best third-placed teams, confirming their progress on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
Source: thehindu.com
