Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead in the second half by latching onto a Ritsu Doan through-ball, but a quickfire equaliser from Anthony Elanga was enough to earn Sweden a point.

The first phases of the game were slow, but Japan arguably had the better of the game. Daizen Maeda was particularly involved, going down for a potential penalty shout that was waved away before misdirecting a header over the bar.

In reality however, it was a tense first half as both teams looked happy to play for a draw that in all likelihood would suit both teams. The first real chance of note came in the final seconds before injury-time with Keito Nakamura’s curling effort drawing a smart stop from Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.

After the break however, that man Maeda did make the breakthrough in typical Japanese fashion. After a spell of near-constant pressure Ritsu Doan’s weighted through-pass found the run of the Celtic forward who took a touch and finished confidently to give the game it’s much-needed first goal.

Not to be outdone, Anthony Elanga hauled Sweden level not long. The Newcastle United man cut in from the right and curled a beautifully guided left-footed strike into the far corner to bring his side level.

Alexander Isak came close to completing a quickfire turnaround, but Zion Suzuki was able to get down and push the Liverpool forward’s low effort around the post.

Elanga had a late chance to win it, drawing another save from Suzuki with an instinctive effort from a tight angle. The goalkeeper was on hand again to deny Isak from the resulting corner with a reactive right-hand save.

Japan vs Sweden result, highlights & stats

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