Japan set up Brazil tie after Sweden draw seals both teams' progress
Japan finished second in Group F after a 1-1 draw with Sweden, who also advanced as one of the best third-placed teams.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
2 min read
Japan and Sweden both reached the World Cup knockout rounds after a 1-1 draw in their final Group F match, Reuters reported. The result left Japan second in the group and sent Sweden through from third place.
According to Reuters, Daizen Maeda put Japan ahead in the 56th minute at Dallas Stadium in Arlington on Thursday before Anthony Elanga equalised six minutes later. Japan finished with five points and will face five-time world champions Brazil in the last 32.
Reuters reported that Sweden ended the group stage with four points. That total was enough for the Swedes to take one of the eight places reserved for the best third-placed teams across the tournament’s 12 groups.
The first half offered little attacking rhythm until the closing stages, according to Reuters. Japan winger Keito Nakamura had the clearest chance before the break when he met Maeda’s layoff with a low first-time effort, forcing Jacob Widell Zetterstrom to dive across and push the shot behind.
Reuters reported that Sweden threatened soon after through Viktor Gyokeres. The forward found room to advance toward goal, but his shot took a deflection off Shogo Taniguchi and looped wide.
Japan increased their tempo after halftime, according to Reuters. Ao Tanaka fired off target, a sign that Hajime Moriyasu’s side were still pushing for a win rather than settling for the draw that would also have taken them through.
The opening goal came from a sharp Japan move started by Ritsu Doan, Reuters reported. Doan combined with Ayase Ueda after cutting in from the right, then slipped a pass between Sweden’s central defenders for Maeda, who was free to finish.
Sweden responded quickly, according to Reuters. Elanga curled a left-footed shot from the edge of the area over Japan’s defence and beyond goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, who was screened as the ball came through.
Reuters reported that Sweden then produced their strongest attacking spell of the match. Three minutes after the equaliser, Suzuki had to dive low to his left to stop an Alexander Isak effort and keep the score level.
Suzuki was called on again in stoppage time, according to Reuters. The Japan goalkeeper pushed Isak’s header upward, preserving the draw and confirming Japan’s second-place finish in Group F.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.