Japan and Sweden both reach World Cup last 32 after Elanga’s equaliser seals draw

Anthony Elanga produced a moment of magic as Sweden fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against Japan, a result that sent both nations into the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 from Group F.

The Newcastle winger curled home a superb second-half equaliser just six minutes after Daizen Maeda had handed Japan the lead, ensuring Graham Potter's side finished among the tournament's best third-placed teams with four points.

Japan, meanwhile, secured second place behind the Netherlands with five points and will now face five-time champions Brazil in the knockout rounds, while Sweden is expected to meet France.

With qualification still within reach for both teams before kick-off, the opening exchanges reflected the high stakes as neither side was willing to overcommit.

The first half lacked its usual World Cup intensity, with both teams remaining disciplined defensively and limiting one another to half chances as possession changed hands without either goalkeeper facing sustained pressure.

Japan came closest to breaking the deadlock moments before halftime when Keito Nakamura met Daizen Maeda's lay-off with a first-time effort that forced Jacob Widell Zetterstrom into an excellent full-length save.

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Sweden responded through Viktor Gyokeres, whose strike took a deflection off Shogo Taniguchi before drifting safely wide, ensuring the sides went into the break level.

The contest burst into life after the restart as Japan returned with greater purpose and finally found the breakthrough in the 56th minute following a beautifully crafted move.

Ritsu Doan exchanged passes with Ayase Ueda before threading a perfectly weighted pass between Sweden's central defenders for Maeda, who timed his run to perfection before calmly slotting beyond Zetterstrom to hand Hajime Moriyasu's men a deserved lead.

Sweden, however, responded like a side determined to extend their World Cup stay.

Just six minutes later, Gyokeres' intelligent movement dragged Ao Tanaka away from the danger area before releasing Elanga on the right.

The winger cut inside onto his left foot and unleashed a superb curling effort from the edge of the area that flew beyond the unsighted Zion Suzuki to restore parity and breathe fresh life into Sweden's qualification hopes.

The equalizer transformed the contest as Potter's men began to play with greater confidence and urgency.

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Alexander Isak soon tested Suzuki with a powerful effort that the Japanese goalkeeper pushed behind before Elanga again forced him into action as Sweden searched for a winner that would have taken them into second place.

Japan refused to retreat completely despite the growing Swedish pressure and continued to threaten on the counterattack, ensuring the closing stages remained open.

Suzuki once again came to his country's rescue deep into stoppage time when he reacted brilliantly to palm away Isak's flicked header from a corner, preserving the draw and confirming Japan's runners-up finish.

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In the end, the result suited both sides. Japan progressed with five points to book a daunting last-32 meeting against Brazil, while Sweden's tally of four points proved enough to secure one of the tournament's eight places reserved for the best third-placed teams.

WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE (ROUND 3)

Friday

Japan -Sweden 1-1 (0-0)

/Maeda 56- Elanga 62/

Tunisia -Netherlands 1-3 (0-2)

/Mastouri 54- Skhiri (og) 3, Brobbery 7, Van Hecke 62/