Japan 1-1 Sweden
Japan and Sweden drew 1-1, a result that sent Japan through to the knockout round in 2nd place and left Sweden waiting on a best 3rd-place spot.
How the match went
Japan and Sweden knew a draw might suit them both, and that is roughly how it played out.
The first half was tense and goalless, with both teams worried about making a costly mistake.
Japan went ahead after the break, with Maeda scoring in the 56th minute.
Sweden hit straight back, and Elanga levelled it in the 62nd minute.
Neither side pushed too hard after that, and the game finished 1-1.
The point was enough to send Japan through in 2nd place, behind the group winners, the Netherlands.
Japan got there after drawing 2-2 with the Netherlands and beating Tunisia 4-0.
Sweden, who beat Tunisia 5-1 but lost 5-1 to the Netherlands, finish 3rd and must wait on a best 3rd-place spot.
Key moments
- ⚽ 56' Maeda (Japan)
- ⚽ 62' Elanga (Sweden)
Goals in the order they were scored.
Match highlights
Watch on YouTube- Date
- Thursday, June 25
- Kickoff Time
- 18:00 (Chicago time)
- Stage
- Group stage, Group F
- Stadium
- AT&T Stadium, Arlington
- Attendance
- 70,137
- Referee
- Iván Barton (El Salvador)
What's next for Japan?
Japan are through to the round of 32, and they look tough and very well organized.
No team will be happy to face them in the knockout round.
What's next for Sweden?
Sweden finish 3rd in Group F with only 4 points.
The 8 best 3rd-placed teams from the 12 groups also reach the knockout round, so Sweden are still in the competition for the moment.
Their 4 points give them a chance, but it depends on how the other groups' 3rd-placed teams finish over the next 2 days.
Common questions
What was the final score of Japan vs Sweden?
It finished 1-1. Maeda put Japan ahead in the second half, and Elanga equalized for Sweden soon after.
Did Japan qualify for the knockout round?
Yes. The draw against Sweden gave them 5 points and put them in 2nd place in Group F, behind the Netherlands, so they go through to the round of 32.
Are Sweden out of the World Cup?
Not yet. Sweden finished 3rd on 4 points. They must wait to see if they are one of the 8 best 3rd-placed teams, which is decided when the group stage ends on June 27.