Japan 1-1 Sweden Player Ratings: Elanga's Screamer Rescues Graham Potter's Side As They Finish Third Behind The Samurai Blue In Group F

Group F saw Japan play their final game of the group stages against Sweden at the Dallas Stadium. Both teams were in a bid to qualify for the Round of 32, with the hope of a possible second-place finish.

The Japan national football team were coming off a splendid 4-0 win over Tunisia, whereas Sweden were looking to brush off the 5-1 thumping at the hands of the Netherlands.

Both teams tried to unlock each other's defences but had little success in front of goal. The Samurai Blue had most of the possession, and also took more shots than the Sweden national football team. They also got the clearest chance on goal just before halftime when Keito Nakamura opened his body and tried to guide the ball at the far post, but Jacob Widell Zetterström was equal to the shot and parried it away from danger.

Both teams had one player substituted in the first half, as Sweden lost Isak Hien to an injury in the 37th minute, while the Japanese captain, Ko Itakura, also followed suit just a couple of minutes later.

Things got interesting in the second half. Japan were the first to strike as Ritsu Doan played a neat one-two with Ayase Ueda, before setting up Daizen Maeda with an outrageous through ball. Maeda slotted it past a helpless Zetterström to give the Samurai Blue the lead.

Graham Potter's side came up with an immediate reply as Anthony Elanga scored an absolute cracker from the edge of the right-hand side of the box, which Zion Suzuki watched in vain as the ball nestled in his far post.

The game ended 1-1, with Japan set to face Brazil in the Round of 32, whereas Sweden still await their fate in the Round of 32.

Below are the Sportsdunia's Japan vs Sweden Ratings.

Japan National Football Team Player Ratings vs Sweden

Check out the Japan national football team player ratings from the Japan vs Sweden Player Ratings.

Sweden National Football Team Player Ratings vs Japan

Here are the Sweden national football team player ratings from the Japan vs Sweden Player Ratings.

Man of the Match

Anthony Elanga was the man of the match in this FIFA World Cup game.

Worst Performer

Zion Suzuki was the worst of the lot from Japan vs Sweden.