Elanga Forces Sweden into Knockouts with 1-1 Draw Against Japan

Dallas Stadium saw 70,137 souls endure a truly dreadful first half. Nothing to see here. The second 45, at least, offered some semblance of action.

Ten minutes after the break, Daizen Maeda finally woke everyone up. He slid one home from the edge of Sweden's box after a slick bit of passing. That goal could've tossed Group F standings into chaos. Newcastle's Anthony Elanga had other ideas, though. Seven minutes later, he curled a beauty. His second World Cup goal in as many games. All square.

Sweden wanted more. Alexander Isak tried a low shot; Zion Suzuki stopped it. Suzuki then turned away Elanga in stoppage time. Isak pinged the bar from the corner. Graham Potter’s squad seemed to find their rhythm late, but couldn't snatch a winner. Score stayed 1-1.

Potter offered the usual coach-speak to Sky Sports: "Credit to the players, they stood up as they always have done. Going a goal down, we stuck at it and delighted for Anthony because he's been amazing off the pitch — now he's got two goals." Can't argue with results, I guess.

So, the dust settles. Japan are Group F runners-up, getting a date with Brazil in Houston on Monday 29 June (6pm kick-off). Sweden, meanwhile, finish third. They'll face the Group I winners — probably France or Norway — on Tuesday 30 June in New Jersey (10pm kick-off).

And Scotland? Another kick in the teeth. Only a four-goal romp for Japan could've helped their slim chances of reaching the knockouts as a best third-placed side. That was never happening, was it?