One win, two draws and five points is not the most emphatic way Japan could have qualified from its World Cup group, but after a 1-1 tie with Sweden in Dallas, all eyes now shift to a familiar, formidable foe in the round of 32: Brazil.
Following an uneventful first half, Daizen Maeda scored for Hajime Moriyasu¡¯s side in the 56th minute, converting Ritsu Doan¡¯s perfectly pitched through ball after some clever buildup play.
Sweden drew level six minutes later, however, through a curling Anthony Elanga shot from the corner of the penalty area. It was a well-taken strike, but one that goalkeeper Zion Suzuki may feel he should have reacted to earlier.
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