Potter demands better defending as Japan face Sweden decider

Sweden decider: Potter says Japan must defend better

Your World Cup knockout hopes come down to Friday. Japan face Sweden in the Group F finale, and Graham Potter has set the tone bluntly: "We can't defend like we did against the Netherlands, it has to be much better" (2) (4). Sweden's camp got a jolt this week when a tribune collapsed at their Dallas base, but no injuries were reported (7). The math is simple, win or draw and you're through. Lose, and Japan could still advance depending on the Netherlands–Tunisia result (3). Kickoff is set for 1:00 AM Japan time (4).

Miura, 59, signs for a 42nd season

Kazuyoshi Miura is not done. The 59-year-old has extended his contract with Fukushima United, stepping into his 42nd professional season (1). He will play on at Japan's third-tier club. No footballer in the world has a career arc like King Kazu.

Fan reactions

Swedish fans are running the numbers. A Reddit post calculates Sweden's knockout probabilities for every possible result against Japan, a loss by three goals or fewer still leaves their chances looking bright, but a bigger defeat would be damaging. Meanwhile, Zion Suzuki made time for supporters at the team bus, signing autographs and taking photos before the squad departed. See the thread