Japan and Sweden share the spoils and both go through: a 1-1 draw seals knockout spots

Japan and Sweden drew 1-1 in Dallas to send both sides into the World Cup knockouts, Daizen Maeda's lovely team goal cancelled out by an Anthony Elanga screamer. Japan finish second in Group F, Sweden through as a best third-placed team.

Japan and Sweden got exactly what they came for. A 1-1 draw at Dallas Stadium sent both teams into the World Cup knockouts, Daizen Maeda's lovely finish cancelled out by an Anthony Elanga thunderbolt. Japan take second in Group F; Sweden go through as one of the best third-placed sides.

The opening forty-five minutes were a careful, defensive affair, neither side keen to take a risk that might backfire. The game was waiting for a moment of quality, and Japan provided it after the break.

It was worth the wait. On fifty-six minutes Ritsu Dōan sliced the Swedish defence apart with an inch-perfect pass, and Maeda timed his run to perfection before finishing into the bottom corner. A sublime, flowing team goal.

Sweden's nerves did not last long. Six minutes later Elanga cut inside and unleashed a spectacular curling twenty-yard strike past Zion Suzuki, the Newcastle winger answering with a moment of individual brilliance to make it 1-1.

Sweden pushed hard for a winner late on, but Suzuki stood firm. The Japan goalkeeper made crucial diving stops to deny Elanga and Alexander Isak, who also rattled the crossbar from a late corner. Japan held the line, and the point was shared.

The draw finalised a tight Group F. The Netherlands won the group, beating Tunisia 3-1 on the same night, Japan took second, and Sweden squeezed through in third. Tunisia, beaten three times, were eliminated. Japan now face Group C winners Brazil in a blockbuster last-32 tie, while Sweden meet France.

For Kenya, there was plenty to enjoy. Japan are everyone's favourite outsider, all neat passing and relentless running, and Sweden carry Premier League firepower in Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres and Elanga. Wapenzi wa soka Kenya wanapenda Japan, timu ya akili na bidii: Kenyan football fans love Japan, a team of brains and graft. A Japan-Brazil tie in the last 32 is one to circle. Our Asia round-one verdict tipped Japan to trouble anyone, and they will fancy their chances against even the Seleção.