Starting lineup
Japan (3-4-2-1): Suzuki, Ito, Itakura, Seko, Nakamura, Tanaka, Kamada, Sugawara, Maeda, Doan, Ueda
Sweden (3-4-1-2): Widell Zetterstrom, Lindelof, Hien, Lagerbielke, Gudmundsson, Ayari, Stroud, Bernhardsson, Elanga, Isak, Gyokeres
45'+6
The referee blew the whistle to end the first half. The score remains 0-0.
45'+1
Nakamura unleashed a quick curling shot inside the penalty area, but he couldn't beat the Swedish goalkeeper.
45'
The first half had 5 minutes of added time.
43'
Alexander Bernhardsson (Sweden) stole the ball from his opponent but was penalized for a foul. The referee immediately blew the whistle.
42'
Ao Tanaka (Japan) was penalized for a clumsy foul. Referee Ivan Barton witnessed the entire incident.
41'
Ivan Barton blew the whistle and it was Ritsu Doan (Japan) who was penalized for an attacking foul. A good decision by the referee.
40'
A long-range shot attempt by Yukinari Sugawara (Japan) was unsuccessful. He received a pass from a teammate and unleashed a low shot towards the center of the goal, but the shot was not dangerous enough to trouble the opposing goalkeeper.
39'
Japan also made their first substitution. Shogo Taniguchi came on to replace Ko Itakura.
37'
Sweden were forced to make an unexpected substitution when Isak Hien was unable to continue playing due to injury and was replaced by Lucas Bergvall.
32'
The referee showed a yellow card for the foul committed by Isak Hien (Sweden).
29'
Elliot Stroud (Sweden) just committed a blatant foul. Ivan Barton stopped the game and blew the whistle for a free kick.
28'
Ayase Ueda (Japan) committed a foul and referee Ivan Barton immediately signaled for a free kick.
26'
The players return to the game.
24'
The two teams take a water break.
22'
A cross from near the goal line created an opportunity for Daizen Maeda (Japan) in an open position near the penalty spot, but he failed to hit the target, his header going wide of the left post.
20'
Keito Nakamura (Japan) attempted a through pass, but it was too powerful and goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom rushed out to intercept the ball.
17'
Yukinari Sugawara (Japan) delivered a cross into the penalty area, but the cross went too close to goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, who comfortably caught the ball.
16'
Hiroki Ito (Japan) made a very poor tackle and as a result, he was penalized by the referee for a foul.
15 minutes
Ritsu Doan (Japan) received a pass from the wing, carefully adjusted his aim, and unleashed a shot on target; however, the ball hit a defender and bounced away.
13'
Keito Nakamura (Japan) found space to cross from the wing into the penalty area, but it should have been more accurate to pose a threat to the opposition.
10'
Ao Tanaka (Japan) just made a rather aggressive tackle and referee Ivan Barton blew the whistle for a foul.
8'
Foul! Gabriel Gudmundsson (Sweden) is penalized for pulling his opponent's shirt.
7'
The flag is raised for Ayase Ueda (Japan). This player had space to break through the defense, but he moved a little too early.
6'
Alexander Bernhardsson (Sweden) received the ball and tried his luck with a quick low shot from medium range towards the goal, but goalkeeper Zion Suzuki reacted just as quickly and made an easy save.
4'
Ivan Barton blew the whistle. Ritsu Doan (Japan) committed a foul by kicking his opponent's leg instead of the ball.
2'
Gabriel Gudmundsson's (Sweden) corner kick was blocked by the defense.
2'
Anthony Elanga (Sweden) attempted a cross but the ball was cleared away. Sweden had a corner kick.
1'
Elliot Stroud (Sweden) attempts to break free, but an opposing player clears the ball. The referee points to the corner flag, and Sweden will take a corner kick.
Yasin Ayari (Sweden) delivered a cross from the corner kick to his teammates, but their efforts were thwarted by the opposing goalkeeper.
1'
The first half has begun.
Sweden's starting lineup
Japan's starting lineup
Intense competition for direct tickets.
In Group F, Japan and the Netherlands currently share the top spot with 4 points each, followed closely by Sweden with 3 points, while Tunisia has already been officially eliminated. Since the Netherlands is predicted to win against Tunisia in their other match, the outcome of the Japan vs. Sweden clash will likely decide the second direct qualification spot from the group.
Both teams have their fate in their own hands if they defeat the other. Even a draw could see both Japan and Sweden advance to the round of 32. However, the most realistic goal for the "Blue Samurai" right now is a resounding victory to secure first place in the group.
The knockout bracket is full of strategic maneuvering:
- If Japan finishes first in Group F, they will face Morocco (second in Group C) in Monterrey (Mexico) - a place where Japan previously trained and recently played against Tunisia, so they are very familiar with the pitch.
- If Japan finishes second in Group F, they will have to face "giant" Brazil (winner of Group C) in Houston (USA).
- If they drop to third place: Japan risks facing France (first in Group I) or Germany, as the spots to play against the winners of Groups A and B are usually filled by the third-placed teams from the top groups.
The "Blue Samurai"'s mettle goes head-to-head with the Nordic star.
Japan is proving to be one of the most formidable Asian representatives at the 2026 World Cup thanks to their high level of organization, discipline, and cohesive playing style. Following their convincing 4-0 victory over Tunisia, coach Hajime Moriyasu's team is brimming with confidence and a significantly improved goal difference. Their effective transitional play and tenacious tactical system provide a solid foundation for the Asian team.
On the other side of the battlefield, Sweden boasts high-quality individuals such as the world-class strike partnership of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres, and the experienced center-back Lindelof. In the past, Sweden also has a slight advantage with 2 wins, 2 draws, and only 1 loss against Japan.
However, the Nordic team's form has been quite inconsistent. They recently won convincingly against Tunisia 5-1 but then lost to the Netherlands by the same scoreline, revealing many weaknesses in their defense. Sweden also relies heavily on the inspiration of their attacking stars; if Isak or Gyokeres are neutralized, their ability to create breakthroughs will be significantly reduced.
Before this crucial match, Japan only needed a favorable result to advance, while Sweden had to exercise maximum caution if they didn't want to pay a heavy price in the race for the round of 32.
Expected starting lineups for both teams:
Japan: Suzuki, Tomiyasu, Itakura, Ito, Doan, Sano, Tanaka, Nakamura, Ito, Kamada, Ueda.
Sweden: Nordfeldt, Lagerbielke, Hien, Lindelof, Elanga, Bergvall, Karlstrom, Ayari, Gudmundsson, Gyokeres, Isak.
Source: https://baolaocai.vn/nhat-ban-0-0-thuy-dien-het-hiep-1-post902505.html
