Anthony Elanga’s beautiful equaliser booked Sweden’s spot within the World Cup knockout phases after a 1-1 draw with Japan, who additionally undergo because the second-placed crew in Group F.
A draw suited each groups when it comes to spherical of 32 qualification and a boring first half hinted each groups would accept that end result. However the second half exploded into life.
Ten minutes after half-time, Daizen Maeda slid Japan in entrance after some beautiful soccer on the sting of the Sweden penalty space.
However seven minutes later, Newcastle winger Elanga curled in a wonderful left-footed shot for his second aim in two World Cup matches.
Minutes later, Alexander Isak almost turned the sport on its head however his low effort was saved out by Zion Suzuki, who then saved out Elanga in stoppage time. Isak then struck the bar from the ensuing nook as Graham Potter’s aspect improved as the sport went on.
The end result sees all three groups with factors qualify from Group F, whereas it’s one other blow to Scotland. Solely a four-goal win for Japan might have boosted their qualification possibilities as a third-placed crew. That state of affairs was by no means probably.
Who will every crew face within the spherical of 32?
Netherlands vs Morocco in Guadalupe, Mexico on Tuesday June 30, kick-off 2am.
Brazil vs Japan in Houston, Texas on Monday June 29, kick-off at 6pm.
Sweden might face any of Germany, the Group I winners, Mexico, USA or Switzerland – relying on which different third-placed groups qualify.
Nonetheless, their opponents are more than likely to be the Group I winners, which will likely be one in all France or Norway. That spherical of 32 sport will happen on Tuesday June 30 in New Jersey, New York, kick-off 10pm.
The important thing moments from Dallas…
- 22: Maeda heads over one of the best probability of the primary half, however Japan take 40 minutes to have shot on course regardless of being the higher crew.
- 45+1: Jacob Zetterstrom makes a great save to disclaim Keito Nakamura from contained in the penalty space, turning the ball across the nook.
- 55: GOAL! Maeda slides in from contained in the field after intricate play across the penalty field from Japan.
- 62: GOAL! Elanga bends in a wonderful solo run and end to ease Sweden’s elimination fears.
- 65: Isak almost turns the sport on its head however is saved out by Suzuki.
- 83: Kogi Ogawa scoops over a great probability for Japan from Daichi Kamada’s cross.
- 90+3: Elanga drives into the field and is saved out by Suzuki. Isak then hits the bar from ensuing nook.
