Elanga Stunner Earns Sweden 1-1 Draw With Japan, Sends Both Into World Cup Knockouts
Sweden reach World Cup knockout stage after Anthony Elanga’s stunning equaliser secures a 1-1 draw against Japan.
Sweden reach World Cup knockout stage after Anthony Elanga’s stunning equaliser secures a 1-1 draw against Japan.
Sweden secured their place in the World Cup knockout stage after Anthony Elanga’s brilliant second-half equaliser earned a 1-1 draw against Japan, who also progressed from Group F.
The result ensured both nations advanced to the round of 32, with Japan finishing second in the group behind the Netherlands, while Sweden accumulated enough points to qualify despite ending the group stage in third place.
A cagey first half offered little excitement as both teams appeared content with a draw that suited their qualification hopes.
The contest came alive after the break when Japan took the lead in the 56th minute through Celtic forward Daizen Maeda. The goal capped an impressive passing move, with Ayase Ueda and Ritsu Doan combining before Doan teed up Maeda to finish from close range.
Sweden responded seven minutes later through Newcastle United winger Anthony Elanga, who scored his second goal in as many World Cup matches. Cutting in from the left, Elanga unleashed a powerful left-footed strike from the edge of the penalty area that beat Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
Sweden pushed for a winner in the closing stages, with Alexander Isak testing Suzuki before Elanga was denied in stoppage time. Isak then struck the crossbar from the resulting corner as Graham Potter’s side finished the stronger team.
Despite Sweden’s late pressure, Japan held firm to secure second place in Group F and set up a round of 32 meeting with five-time World Cup champions Brazil.
The draw also ended Scotland’s hopes of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams, with only an unlikely four-goal victory for Japan having offered them a route into the knockout phase.
