Dallas [US], June 26 (ANI): Japan’s Yuto Nagatomo created historical past on Thursday (native time) by turning into the primary Asian participant to characteristic in 5 FIFA World Cups throughout Japan’s Group F match towards Sweden within the 2026 version at Dallas Stadium.
The 39-year-old has beforehand featured within the 2010 South Africa, 2014 Brazil, 2018 Russia, 2022 Qatar, and 2026 Canada-Mexico-United States tournaments, making him one of the enduring figures in worldwide soccer.
With this look, Nagatomo additionally turned solely the tenth participant in soccer historical past to characteristic in 5 or extra World Cup editions. The elite listing consists of Lionel Messi (6 editions), Cristiano Ronaldo (6 editions), Luka Modric, Luis Suarez, Manuel Neuer, Lothar Matthaus, Andres Guardado, Rafael Marquez, Antonio Carbajal, and now Yuto Nagatomo, who’ve performed 5 editions, respectively.
Japan’s consistency was additionally mirrored within the match outcome as they held Sweden to a 1-1 draw of their ultimate Group F encounter. Both sides superior to the Round of 32 after ending within the qualifying positions within the group.
The opening half was a tightly contested affair, with each side prioritising protection and limiting clear-cut possibilities. Japan loved extra possession and managed a lot of the midfield, however Sweden remained organised on the again.
The first half additionally noticed an damage setback as Sweden defender Isak Hien was compelled off after selecting up an damage, whereas Japan additionally needed to substitute defender Ko Itakura earlier than the break. Despite Japan creating higher alternatives, together with a save from Sweden goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom to disclaim Keito Nakamura, the groups went into half-time locked at 0-0.
The match burst into life after the restart. Japan broke the impasse within the 56th minute by means of Daizen Maeda after an excellent passing transfer involving Yukinari Sugawara, Ritsu Doan and Ayase Ueda. Maeda timed his run completely earlier than calmly guiding the ball into the far nook.
However, Sweden responded simply six minutes later. Anthony Elanga capitalised on a free ball, minimize inside from the flank and curled a nice strike past Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to revive parity.
Both sides made adjustments within the closing levels as they regarded to guard the outcome that may ship them by means of to the knockout section. Sweden threatened from a sequence of late set-pieces, however Suzuki remained composed to maintain the rating stage.
The 1-1 draw was sufficient for each groups to advance, with Japan ending the group stage unbeaten and Sweden additionally securing a spot within the Round of 32. (ANI)