Japan v Sweden

It’s all over in Dallas, as Group C concludes with a 1‑1 draw between Japan and Sweden – a result that will be enough to see both sides through. Samurai Blue, assured of a round‑of‑32 place after finishing second, had to dig deep and finally found their breakthrough in the second half after a first period short on chances. The goal was worth the wait: intricate interplay between Doan and Maeda producing a superb opener. Sweden hit back quickly through Elanga, who finds himself on the World Cup scoresheet yet again, his left‑footed cross‑shot catching out Suzuki and restoring parity for the European side. The Japan keeper redeemed himself with a pair of strong saves to prevent Sweden from leapfrogging them into the automatic spot – denying Isak first from the edge of the box and then with a fine late header. A combined xG of just 1.73 reflected two teams who knew this result would likely suit both, and they can now turn their focus to the knockouts. Japan face Brazil in a mouthwatering tie in Texas, while Potter’s side are on course for a huge test against current favourites France. That’s all from us here – thanks for joining, and goodbye.

FULL-TIME: JAPAN 1-1 SWEDEN

SAVED! Sweden are throwing everything at Japan in their push to leapfrog them into second place, and Isak so nearly delivers the winner. The Liverpool striker rises superbly, meeting the cross with real conviction – but Suzuki, shaky earlier, redeems himself again with another strong glove to turn it away. One touch of the ball there could have changed everything.

BEATEN AWAY! Elanga has been a constant menace to Japan tonight, and he finds himself inside the box yet again. His first touch sets it up beautifully, and he cuts a strike towards the far corner – but Suzuki throws out a strong glove to beat it away and keep Japan level.

We’re into a minimum of seven minutes of added time, and you sense both sides would probably take this result now.

Suzuki is unconvincing again in the Japan net. He rushes off his line to meet a lofted cross from the near side, completely misses it, and gets away with one. On another night, that could easily have dropped unkindly for Japan – and they’ll need to tighten up moments like that ahead of a likely clash with Brazil in the round of 32.