Japan draws with Sweden and will be Brazil's opponent in the World Cup knockout stage

Japan and Sweden drew 1-1 this Thursday (25), in Dallas, in the match valid for the third round of group F of the World Cup. The result assured the Asian country a place in the knockout stages, where they will face Brazil.

At the 11-minute mark of the second half, Daizen Maeda put the Japanese ahead. Shortly afterwards, Anthony Elanga scored a great goal from outside the box and equalized the dispute at the AT&T Stadium, in the United States.

The Blue Samurais finished second in the group with five points, two less than the Netherlands, who beat Tunisia by a score of 3-1. This way, the Japanese will face the Brazilian team, leader of group C, in the round of 16 phase of the competition.

Sweden, in turn, continued in the World Cup as one of the best third-placed teams in the tournament.

The goals of the match
Looking to climb to the top of the group, Japan took the lead in the match after 11 minutes of the second stage. In a beautiful offensive plot, midfielder Ritsu Doan played with midfielder Ao Tanaka and found a great pass for striker Daizen Maeda. He received a free kick and shot past goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström to make it 1-0.

It didn't take long for the Swedes to tie the duel. In the 17th minute, winger Anthony Elanga was used on the right side of the attack, cut the marking and finished in the corner of the goal defended by Zion Suzuki.

Finally, in the final stretch of the match, Suzuki made two crucial saves to keep the score tied. Final result: 1-1 in Dallas.

Standings provided by Sofascore

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Source: CNN