Dallas [US], June 26 (ANI): Following a 1-1 draw in opposition to Sweden of their remaining league stage FIFA World Cup match, Japan not solely confirmed their Round of 32 spot, but in addition continued their superb run in opposition to European nations.
Japan, having ended the group F second with a win and two attracts, with 5 factors, has an opportunity to go higher than their 4 spherical of 16 finishes up to now FIFA World Cups.
Japan must go in opposition to some high quality competitors from European sides, however the crew, statistically has confirmed that they will cling round with among the finest within the sport. Since 2021, Japan has been unbeaten in opposition to European nations for 11 straight video games (wins eight and three attracts). It is their longest streak of unbeaten matches in opposition to European nations, surpassing their 10 match streak from 2006 to 2009, as per Opta Analyst.
Japan’s latest resume in opposition to European nations embody wins over former world champions Germany (two wins), Spain and England. In this event, that they had additionally performed a sensational 2-2 draw in opposition to the Netherlands within the league stage.
Coming to the match, the consequence ensured each groups progressed from the group, with Japan ending unbeaten (one win and two attracts) within the group stage whereas Sweden did sufficient to safe qualification.
The opening half was a tightly contested affair, with either side prioritising defence and limiting clear-cut probabilities. Japan loved extra possession and managed a lot of the midfield, however Sweden remained organised on the again.
The first half additionally noticed an harm setback as Sweden defender Isak Hien was compelled off after choosing up an harm, whereas Japan additionally needed to substitute defender Ko Itakura earlier than the break. Despite Japan creating the 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 way 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 unfastened ball, lower inside from the flank and curled a superb strike past Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to revive parity.
Both sides made adjustments within the closing levels as they regarded to guard the consequence that may ship them by way of to the knockout part. Sweden threatened from a collection of late set-pieces, however Suzuki remained composed to maintain the scores degree. (ANI)