Japan 1-1 Sweden: Maeda 56; Elanga 62
Sweden were on their way out of the tournament but recovered nicely to book their place in the last 32, after Anthony Elanga’s superb second-half strike earned a 1-1 draw against Japan.
Japan, already assured of qualification before kick-off, finished second in the group and will face Brazil in the knockout stage after failing to hold on to the lead given to them by Daizen Maeda. Sweden, needing to avoid defeat after their heavy loss to the Netherlands, responded within six minutes through Elanga before almost taking a late lead themselves.
The draw suited both sides, although it took more than an hour before the contest came to life following a forgettable opening period that largely saw cautious football and few clear opportunities.
Neither team showed much urgency. Japan controlled possession without threatening, while Sweden tried to shore up their defence, understandably, after conceding five goals in their last game against the Netherlands.
The only meaningful attempt before the interval arrived moments before half-time when Keita Nakamura tested Jacob Zetterstrom from distance, forcing the Swedish goalkeeper into a comfortable save.
Sweden’s evening suffered an early setback when defender Isak Hien was forced off through injury, but despite the adjustment to their back line, Graham Potter’s side kept Japan at arm’s length until the game burst into life in the second half.
Japan went ahead in the 56th minute with a superb team move that showcased their ability to make quick passing combinations. Ayase Ueda received the ball from right-back Yukinari Sugawara and shielded it nicely before laying it into the path of Ritsu Doan, whose first-time pass released Maeda inside the area. Running in, the Celtic forward controlled before drilling beyond Zetterstrom to register Japan’s seventh goal of the tournament, the country’s highest tally at a single World Cup.
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But their lead lasted only six minutes as Sweden responded with a moment of individual brilliance from Elanga. The Newcastle winger had space to cut in from the right before curling a left-footed effort beyond Zion Suzuki from outside the penalty area. The Japan goalkeeper might perhaps kick himself for diving late.
The equaliser turned the contest around as Sweden grew confident. Viktor Gyokeres troubled Japan’s defence with his physical presence, and Alexander Isak was given space to fire at Suzuki. The shot was saved and so was the Liverpool man’s header from a corner kick in stoppage time, Suzuki tipping it onto the crossbar to preserve the draw.
