Japan and Sweden Advance after draw: Match Recap from Dallas Stadium

Japan did exactly what it needed to do. Sweden did just enough to stay alive, potentially for another day.

A 1-1 draw at Dallas Stadium on Thursday night sends Japan through to the Round of 32. Sweden’s tournament fate now depends on other results, though they leave Arlington with a solid chance to advance as one of the eight third place teams.

Neither side could find the back of the net in the opening half, but the game opened up after the break. Japan struck first in the 56th minute when Ritsu Soan slipped a perfect ball into the penalty area for Diazen Maeda, who collected and quickly finished. Sweden answered six minutes later on an even better goal, from Anthony Elanga, who found his second goal of the tournament.

Sweden pushed hard for a game-winner in the final moments, but Zion Suzuki was equal to everything thrown at him, making a pair of big stops late in the game to preserve the draw.

Key Moments

32’ - Really the first big moment of the game for either side. Sweden turns it over in their attacking end and Japan forces Isak Hien to bring down a Japanese attacker on the counter-attack, forcing the game’s first yellow card.

40’ - First attempt on goal for either side, but not a good one either. Japan’s Sugawara takes a crack from distance but there wasn’t a lot on that one to test Swedish keeper Zetterstrom.

45’ - So close! Japan is closing the half strong with more chances on goal, this time testing Zetterstrom to make a diving save on a shot from Nakamura.

45+5’ - Sweden closed out the half with a couple of decent looks on goal. Nothing that truly pressed the Japanese defense, but at least this one is starting to get interesting.

53’ - Japan is knocking on the door again in the second half. This time Kamada gets in behind the Swedish defense on an open attempt, but he skies it.

56‘ - GOAL! Japan gets on the board first with Maeda. Doan slips in the perfect ball as Maeda find space behind the Swedish defense.

62’ - GOAL! Sweden ties it up with a beautiful strike from Anthony Elanga! Gyökeres found Elanga on the wing outside the penalty area. He then took a touch by a defender before curling the ball into the far post.

65’ - Isak comes close to giving the Swedes the lead! But Suzuki makes a massive save.

90+3’ - Sweden is looking for the winner here. Really putting Japan under pressure. Suzuki comes up huge on a corner kick to keep it level.

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Instant Reaction

This one felt fairly similar to the first Japan game in Dallas Stadium. It was a bit slow moving in the first half, but things really opened up for both sides in the second 45 minutes. Both goals were beautiful and worth the replay. Japan was the better team in the opening portion of the game, but it felt like they took the foot off the gas a bit when Sweden tied it up.

Man of the Match

We’ll go with Sweden’s Anthony Elanga. His game tying goal may keep them in the tournament for another round.

Where does this fit in Group F

With the Netherlands downing Tunisia tonight, Japan will finish second with five points. Sweden will finish with four points and a neutral goal differential.

What’s next for both squads

Japan clinched second place and will take on Brazil in the Round of 32. Sweden will need to wait out a few results over the next couple of days, but they have a 68% chance to advance to the Round of 32, where they’ll face either France or Norway.

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