Japan and Sweden played out a 1-1 draw on Thursday, with both teams booking their places in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32. The result helped Japan finish second in Group F behind the Netherlands. Sweden also advanced to the knockout stage after earning the point they needed.

Japan will now face tournament favourites Brazil on Monday, while Sweden will learn their Round of 32 opponents after the remaining group-stage matches conclude.

Japan Make History With Record World Cup Goal Tally

The first half produced very few clear chances, but the match came alive after the break. Japan broke the deadlock in the 56th minute. Ritsu Doan played a perfectly timed pass to Daizen Maeda, who controlled the ball well before calmly beating goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.

The goal was Japan's seventh of the tournament, setting a new national record for the most goals scored in a single FIFA World Cup. The previous record of six goals came during Japan's run to the Round of 16 in 2018.

Elanga Brings Sweden Back Into the Match

Sweden responded quickly after falling behind. Just six minutes later, Anthony Elanga scored with a superb left-footed strike from outside the penalty area. His powerful effort beat Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and brought Sweden level at 1-1. It was Elanga's second goal of the tournament.

Goalkeepers Shine in Closing Stages

Both teams searched for a winning goal during the final half-hour. Alexander Isak came close to scoring for Sweden, but Zion Suzuki produced an excellent save to deny him. The Japanese goalkeeper later tipped another Swedish header onto the crossbar in stoppage time before collecting the loose ball.

Sweden won eight corner kicks compared to Japan's two, but Japan's defence stayed organised and protected the valuable draw.

Both Teams Continue Strong World Cup Records

The draw ensured Japan reached the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the third consecutive tournament. It also marked the fifth time they have advanced beyond the group stage in the last seven World Cups since first reaching the Round of 16 on home soil in 2002.

Sweden also continued their impressive World Cup consistency. The Scandinavian side has now progressed beyond the group stage in each of the last four World Cups they have qualified for, a streak dating back to 1994. Both teams will now shift their focus to the Round of 32 as they aim to continue their World Cup campaigns.