Japan holds off Sweden to secure second place in Group F

Sweden and Japan have secured their spots in the World Cup knockout rounds after drawing 1-1 in Group F. Anthony Elanga’s 62nd-minute equalizer earned Sweden a share of the points, while Daizen Maeda scored for Japan six minutes earlier to give them a lead. The draw brings both teams into the Round of 32, with Japan finishing second in the group and Sweden third.

Japan will face Brazil in the next round, while Sweden will advance as one of the best third-placed teams across the 12 groups. The Swedes secured four points from the match, which was marked by a slow first half before both teams showed increased intensity in the second half.

Keito Nakamura came closest to scoring for Japan in the first half, forcing Jacob Widell Zetterstrom into a save with a low strike. Viktor Gyokeres also had a chance at the other end, but his shot deflected wide of the target. Japan’s Ao Tanaka hit a wayward strike under pressure from Sweden’s defense, while Elanga equalized for Sweden after Maeda scored for Japan.

The match ended with several close calls, including Zion Suzuki’s sprawling save to deny Alexander Isak and another header by Isak that was palmed into the air by Swedish goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.

Source: Al Jazeera