Elanga screamer sends Japan and Sweden through

Japan and Sweden booked their places in the World Cup last‑32 after a tense 1-1 draw in front of 70,000 fans in Texas. The first half reflected the stakes, with both teams knowing a point would be enough, and chances were scarce as Japan controlled possession while Sweden’s forwards struggled to influence the game. Keito Nakamura forced Jacob Widell Zetterström into the only major save before the break.

Japan accelerated after halftime and took the lead on fifty‑six minutes when Daizen Maeda raced onto Ritsu Doan’s pass and calmly rolled the ball past the advancing goalkeeper. Sweden responded instantly. Six minutes later, Anthony Elanga cut inside from the right and unleashed a superb left‑footed strike from distance to level the match.

Sweden finished stronger, with Zion Suzuki denying Alexander Isak and Elanga in added time. The Netherlands topped the group, while Japan now face Brazil and Sweden progress as a best third‑placed team.