Japan booked a World Cup last-32 meeting with Brazil after drawing 1-1 with Sweden in Texas and finishing second in Group F. Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead before Anthony Elanga replied for Sweden, who also progressed as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Japan controlled possession for long stretches and looked the cleaner side on the ball. Hajime Moriyasu’s team moved play quickly through midfield and forced Sweden to defend deeper than Graham Potter would have wanted.
Sweden’s attack never found much rhythm in the first half. Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres struggled for space while Japan controlled the centre of the pitch and kept the ball moving.
Japan created the clearest chance before the interval. Keito Nakamura cut inside and forced Jacob Widell Zetterstrom into a sharp save at his near post.
The pressure increased after the restart. Ao Tanaka drove through midfield and Japan started to stretch Sweden with quicker passing around the edge of the box.
The breakthrough came in the 56th minute. Ritsu Doan slipped Daizen Maeda through and the forward stayed calm before rolling the ball beyond Zetterstrom.
Sweden responded quickly. Elanga cut in from the right six minutes later and whipped a left-footed effort from outside the box beyond Zion Suzuki.
The goal shifted momentum. Sweden carried greater threat and pushed for a winner that would have sent them directly into the knockout bracket rather than relying on third-place qualification.
Suzuki stood firm late in the game. He denied Elanga in added time and then produced another save from an Alexander Isak header from close range.
The draw left the Netherlands top of Group F on seven points. Japan finished second on five and now face Brazil in Houston. Sweden also move on after securing one of the best third-place spots.
