Anthony Elanga’s stunning second-half strike earned Sweden a place in the World Cup Round of 32 as they came from behind to draw 1-1 with Japan.
The result leaves Graham Potter’s side third in Group F on four points, enough to secure qualification for the knockout stage, where they will face one of France, Norway, Germany or Switzerland.
Japan finished second behind the Netherlands, who defeated Tunisia 3-1, and will take on five-time world champions Brazil in the Round of 32.
After a subdued first half in which both sides appeared content to settle for a draw, the game burst into life after the interval.
Japan took the lead in the 56th minute through Celtic forward Daizen Maeda. Ayase Ueda and Ritsu Doan combined brilliantly with a neat one-two before Doan squared the ball for Maeda to finish from close range.
Sweden responded just six minutes later through Newcastle United winger Anthony Elanga, making his first start of the tournament. Cutting in from the left, Elanga unleashed a powerful drive from the edge of the area that beat Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, who appeared to spot the ball too late to keep it out.
The tempo dipped after the second-half cooling break, but Sweden almost snatched victory in stoppage time. Suzuki produced fine saves to deny both Elanga and Alexander Isak, ensuring Japan held on for the draw and second place in the group.
Sweden’s resilience, however, was enough to secure their place in the knockout rounds, where a sterner test now awaits.
