Anthony Elanga’s stunning equalizer put Sweden through to the World Cup after a 1-1 draw with Japan, who also finished second in Group F.
A draw was deserved for both teams in the round of 32 and a dull first half indicated that both teams would face that result. But the second part burst into life.
Ten minutes after the break, Daizen Maeda slipped Japan ahead after a beautiful ball on the edge of Sweden.
But seven minutes later, Newcastle midfielder Elanga curled in a brilliant left-footed strike to score his second goal in two World Cup games.
A few minutes later, Alexander Isak almost turned the game on its head but his narrow effort was blocked by Zion Suzuki, who closed for Elanga in stoppage time. Isak then hit the post from the resulting corner as Graham Potter’s side improved as the game wore on.
This result means that all three teams with points are out of Group F, and Scotland is one of the losers. A four-goal win for Japan would have boosted their chances of going in as the third-placed team. That situation had never existed.
Who will each team face in the round of 32?
Netherlands vs Morocco Guadalupe, Mexico Tuesday June 30to start 2 am.
Brazil vs Japan Houston, Texas Monday June 29kick in 6 p.m.
in Sweden he can face anywhere Germany, Group I winners, Mexico, USA or Switzerland – it depends on which other third place teams qualify.
However, their opponents are more likely to be the ones who will win in Group I, which will be one of them France or in Norway. This round of 32 match will take place Tuesday June 30 In New Jersey, New York, the game will begin 10 p.m.
Highlights from Dallas…
- 22: Maeda heads home the best chance of the first half, but it takes Japan 40 minutes to get a shot on target despite being the better team.
- 45+1: Jacob Zetterstrom makes a great save to deny Keito Nakamura inside the penalty area, turning the ball over for a corner.
- 55: GOAL! Maeda gets inside the box after a complex play near the penalty box from Japan.
- 62: GOAL! Elanga turns in a good solo race and finish to ease Sweden’s elimination fears.
- 65: Isak almost turns the game on its head but Suzuki is blocked.
- 83: Kogi Ogawa scores a good chance for Japan from Daichi Kamada.
- 90+3: Elanga drives into the box and is blocked by Suzuki. Isak then hits the bar in the resulting corner.
What does the result mean…
Potter: Sweden stood up
Sweden coach Graham Potter:
“The players stood up the way they always do. They were honest and very good at it. We played another tough team, it was a tough game.
“Scoring a goal down, we stuck with it and we were happy for Anthony because he’s been amazing off the pitch – now he’s got two goals.”
