Japan and Sweden drew 1-1 in Dallas on Friday in a thrilling Group F finale that confirmed both nations’ progression to the Round of 32. Daichi Maeda opened the scoring with a sublime team move in the 56th minute, before Alexander Elanga’s stunning curling finish equalised for Sweden four minutes later. 

Japan and Sweden played out a tightly contested first half that yielded few clear-cut chances, with both sides content to probe rather than push for a decisive breakthrough. The second half proved significantly more entertaining, with Maeda striking first in the 56th minute with a beautiful piece of collective play that highlighted Japan’s technical quality. Sweden responded immediately through Elanga’s magnificent curling finish in the 62nd minute, a moment of individual brilliance that sparked renewed belief in the Scandinavian side. Both goalkeepers made crucial saves, with Suzuki denying Isak and Zetterström producing a spectacular stop to keep the match level heading into the final stages.

The closing stages saw Sweden press harder for a winner, sensing an opportunity to claim second place ahead of Japan, while the Nippons were forced to defend deeper as fatigue set in. Despite sustained Swedish pressure, including a number of late corners, neither side could find a decisive goal. Sweden’s point secures their qualification as the best-performing third-place team, while Japan advances as second in the group. Both nations progress to the Round of 32, with Japan set to face Brazil. Sweden will await their knockout opponent – either France or Senegal – depending on Group I’s final standings.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)