The Japan national football team played out a hard-fought 1–1 draw with the Sweden national football team to secure their place in the World Cup knockout stage. With the result, Japan finished Group F as runners-up on five points and will face five-time world champions Brazil in the round of 32. Sweden, meanwhile, also progressed to the last 32 as one of the best third-placed teams, finishing the group with four points.
The match, played on Thursday night, was tightly contested in the first half, with both sides adopting a cautious approach and few clear chances created. Before the break, Sweden goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström produced a fine diving save to deny a low effort from Japan winger Keito Nakamura, while at the other end a shot from Viktor Gyökeres deflected off Shogo Taniguchi and went wide, leaving the first half goalless.
Japan stepped up their attacking play after the interval and took the lead in the 56th minute. A brilliant pass from Ritsu Doan set up Daizen Maeda, who finished clinically to make it 1–0. It was Japan’s seventh goal of the tournament.
Sweden responded quickly and equalised in the 62nd minute through a superb curling strike from the edge of the box by Anthony Elanga, bringing the match back to 1–1.
The Swedish side pushed hard for a winner, with Alexander Isak coming close in the 65th minute, only to be denied by an excellent save from Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. Suzuki also produced a strong save in stoppage time to keep out another Isak header.
With no further goals, the match ended level, sending Japan through as Group F runners-up with five points. Sweden also advanced to the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams.
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