Japan 1 – 1 Sweden

Antony Elanga’s stunning equalizer booked Sweden’s place in the World Cup’s knockout stages after a 1-1 draw with Japan, who finished second in Group F.

A draw would suit both teams on merit and a dull first half suggests both teams will settle for that result. But life exploded in the second half.

Ten minutes after half-time, Daizen Maeda put Japan ahead after some beautiful football in Sweden’s penalty area.

But seven minutes later, Newcastle winger Elanga curled in a superb left-footed shot for his second goal in two World Cup matches.

Minutes later, Alexander Isak almost turned the game on its head but his low effort was blocked by Jion Suzuki, who dispossessed Elanga in stoppage time. Issac hit the bar from a corner as Graham Potter’s side improved as the game wore on.

The result saw all three teams qualify from Group F with points, while it was another blow for Scotland. Just a four-goal win for Japan could boost their chances of qualifying as the third-placed team. That scenario was unlikely.

Who will each team face in the round of 32?

Netherlands vs Morocco In Guadalupe, Mexico Tuesday 30 Junekick-off 2 o’clock.

Brazil vs Japan In Houston, Texas Monday 29 JuneAt kick off 6 p.m.

Sweden Anyone can face it Germany, Group I winners, Mexico, United States or Switzerland – The other third-place team depends on which.

However, their opponents are the most likely winners of Group I, which will be one France or Norway. That game will be held Tuesday 30 June New Jersey, New York, kick off 10 p.m.

Moments in Dallas…

• 22: Maeda heads for the best chance of the first half, but it takes 40 minutes to get a shot on target despite Japan being the better team.
• 45+1: Jacob Zetterstrom makes a good save to deny Keito Nakamura from the penalty area, turning the ball into the corner.
• 55: Goal! Maeda slid out of the box after tricky play around the Japanese penalty box.
• 62: Goal! Elanga finished with a glorious solo run to ease Sweden’s elimination fears.
• 65: Isaac almost turns the game on its head but Suzuki keeps him out.
• 83: Kogi Ogawa squanders a good chance for Japan from Daichi Kamada’s cross.
• 90+3: Elanga drives into the box and is kept out by Suzuki. Issac then hit the bar from the resulting corner.

Analysis: Sweden met their goal, but Isak and Geokeres need to do more

For Sweden, this has been an incredible change. When they sacked John Dahl Thomasson last October as they sat bottom of their World Cup qualifying group, the tournament itself – let alone the knockout stages – seemed a long way off.

Under Graham Potter, the ship has been steadied, but it’s certainly not sailing.

Yes, they beat Tunisia in their first game but everyone found the African team easy in Group F. In the two games where they actually played decent teams, Sweden looked incredible.

Whoever they face in the round of 32, Sweden’s Alexander Isak and Viktor Goekares will need to fire in a way they have not managed in the last two matches.

Against Japan, Geokeres cut a disappointing figure – had an ineffective shot and was booked because his hold-up play was not supported by two forwards.

Issac looked a bit sharp, but his two biggest chances of the game came from a Japan error and a set-piece.

Sweden have an in-form player in Antoni Elanga, who now has two goals. His counter-attacking game will come in handy against top quality opponents, but can he have others around him?

What does the result mean?

Potter: Sweden stood up

Sweden head coach Graham Potter:

“Credit to the players, they stood up as always. They are so honest and so great about it. We played against another tough team, it was a tough game.

“Going to score a goal, we stuck with it and delighted for Anthony because he’s been amazing off the pitch – now he’s got two goals.”

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