World Cup: Japan and Sweden share spoils to advance from Group F

Having played out a 1-1 draw in Dallas this evening, both Japan and Sweden have secured their passage to the Round of 32. The former side, who clinched second place in Group F, will take on Brazil while the Swedes face Morocco. Elsewhere, the Netherlands took top spot.

Both sides adopted a cautious approach to the game's opening stages, fully aware of what was at stake. Little materialized in front of goal aside from a rather tame strike from Holstein Kiel's Alex Bernhardsson and Dazien Maeda who narrowly headed past the post. 

Interestingly, both nations were forced into first-half changes as Sweden's Isaac Hien limped off for Lucas Bergvall, while Japan gave ex-Gladbach man Itakura the hook for Taniguchi. Bremen loanee Suguwara and Nakamura both tested Zetterström before the break.

Japan continued where they left off before the break, keeping the pressure on their European opponents. The breakthrough on 56 minutes arrived when Frankfurt's Ritsu Dōan played a delightful one-two before threading a ball into Maeda who finished with ruthless conviction.

Despite offering little all evening, Sweden put themselves back on level terms eight minutes later. Anthony Elanga's effort from the right appear to catch Zion Suzuki out and nestle inside the left post. The Japanese shot stopper made amends a minute later to deny Isak.

Both sides made alterations late on with BVB defender Daniel Svensson one of the names to feature. Kiki Ogawa rattled the side-netting nearing the 90th-minute. Sweden pushed on in injury time, but ultimately both Elanga and Isak were kept out by Suzuki to make sure of a draw.