Match Report
The table read 2nd (Japan, 5 pts) against 3rd (Sweden, 4 pts), 1 points apart. Sweden had been under-performing their position — 20th on five-round form against 3rd in the table. In league terms the two rates read 2.33/1 for Japan and 2.33/2.33 for Sweden (scored/conceded per game); the competition average is 1.49.
Japan had not lost in 9 games, having scored in 9 consecutive games. Recent form was uneven: 13/15 points for Japan, 7/15 for Sweden.
The match was played at Dallas Stadium (capacity 80,000). On the scoreboard, it was 0-0 at the break; 2 second-half goals set the final 1-1.
Goal scorers
Japan: Daizen Maeda (56') · Sweden: Anthony Elanga (62')
Key stats
Possession: Japan 52% · Sweden 48% · Total shots: 8-11 · On target: 3-5 · Corners: 2-8