Japan survive Sweden, Brazil up next in the round of 32

Japan draw 1–1 with Sweden, Brazil await in the round of 32

Your team is through. Japan 1–1 Sweden on Thursday, and that point locked up second place in Group F (1) (2). Brazil on Monday in the round of 32, and Hajime Moriyasu did not shy away from it.

"Facing Brazil will be a very important experience for the growth of Japanese football," Moriyasu said. "Of course they are a practically perfect team, but we believe we have a chance to win." He pointed to Japan's friendly win over Brazil back home. "Perhaps because of that they are even more motivated now. So we expect to find a totally focused and determined Brazil" (1).

Zion Suzuki was the reason Japan held on. The keeper turned in a standout performance, and the draw was enough (2).

A bizarre scene on the other side

Sweden's goalscorer Anthony Elanga thought his team was out. After the final whistle, he collapsed on the pitch, convinced the 1–1 draw was not enough to advance. It was. Sweden went through in third place.

Former international Sebastian Larsson summed it up: "He might have dozed off when we talked about the qualification scenarios" (3) (4) (5) (6) (14).

Sweden now face France in the round of 32 (10).

Raphinha ruled out for Brazil

Brazil will be without Raphinha on Monday. The winger is out of the round of 32 match, a significant loss to their attack (8).

Isak Hien injured, MRI pending

Swedish defender Isak Hien left the pitch in the first half against Japan. Graham Potter was blunt: "It looks bad. It is devastating for him" (11). An MRI scan will determine the severity (13).

Japan's attack: clinical

Ahead of the Brazil match, the numbers back your team's efficiency. Japan score a goal every 3.71 shots in this tournament, one of the best conversion rates at the World Cup (7).

Junya Ito, Ritsu Doan, Nakamura, Ueda, Ogawa, and Kamada have all contributed to that sharpness in front of goal.

Netherlands still searching

The 2–2 draw with Japan earlier in the group stage is part of a grim pattern for the Dutch. Under Ronald Koeman, Netherlands have not beaten a top-25 ranked side since his return in 2023, eight losses and six draws (12).

How to watch

Brazil vs Japan kicks off Monday at 19:00 CET, live on ZDF (9).