A draw was enough
Japan needed only a point against Sweden to secure their place, and they got it. The game finished 1-1 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. With the Netherlands beating Tunisia 3-1 in the simultaneous Group F match in Kansas City, the Dutch took top spot on seven points and Japan settled for second on five. Either result kept Japan in the tournament; the parallel game decided only whether they would finish first or second.
Unbeaten through the group
Japan came out of Group F without a defeat: a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands on the opening day, a 4-0 win over Tunisia in the middle game, and this 1-1 with Sweden to close. One win and two draws, seven goals scored and three conceded. It is a steady rather than spectacular passage — no group win, but no loss either, and a place in the last 32 sealed with a game that was managed rather than chased.
Brazil await in the Round of 32
Because Japan finished as Group F runners-up, they drop into the bracket slot reserved for the Group C winners — and that is Brazil, who topped a group containing Morocco, Scotland and Haiti. The match is set for NRG Stadium in Houston, kicking off at 17:00 UTC on June 29, which is the early hours of June 30 in Japan. It is the kind of draw that defines a tournament: a second-place finish has sent Japan straight to one of the favorites rather than a softer third-placed side.
Still unsettled below Japan
Sweden finish third in Group F on four points and now wait on the rest of the tournament. The eight best third-placed teams advance, and with several groups still to play their final round, Sweden cannot yet know whether they are through. Tunisia, beaten in all three games, are out. For Japan the picture is clean and confirmed: second place, unbeaten, and a date with Brazil to come.
Related Links
Links for readers who want to check tournament format, fixtures, venues, and related details.
