Dallas [US], June 26 (ANI): Japan and Sweden booked their locations within the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 after enjoying out a hard-fought 1-1 draw of their closing Group F match on the Dallas Stadium on Thursday, June 25 (native time).
The outcome 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 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 harm setback as Sweden defender Isak Hien was compelled off after choosing up an harm, whereas Japan additionally needed to change 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 via Daizen Maeda after an outstanding 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, minimize inside from the flank and curled a tremendous strike past Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to revive parity.
Both sides made modifications within the closing phases as they appeared to guard the outcome that will ship them via to the knockout section. Sweden threatened from a sequence of late set-pieces, however Suzuki remained composed to maintain the scores degree.
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. Netherlands tops the Group F with two wins and a draw of their three encounters. (ANI)