Japan vs Sweden preview

2026 World Cup, World
Dallas Stadium Thu, 25 Jun - 11:00 PM
World Cup
Japan JPN
1 – 1
Sweden SWE
Full Time Thu, 25 Jun 11:00 PM
Round 3 Group Stage
Daizen Maeda - 56'
Goal
|
Goal
Anthony Elanga - 62'

CONTEXT

Japan hosted Sweden in a tightly contested encounter that concluded with a 1-1 draw after a scoreless first half. The home side held a slight edge in possession at 52 percent while generating 0.9 expected goals against Sweden's 0.54. Despite Sweden entering as the stronger side the match produced an even result consistent with the underlying metrics. Both teams maintained disciplined structures without any dismissals or major disruptions. The second half saw Japan capitalize on their marginal xG advantage to level the contest after Sweden had opened the scoring. Overall the game reflected balanced attacking intent tempered by solid defensive organization from both nations. The final scoreline accurately captured the competitive equilibrium on display.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: Sweden exhibited significant deviation from pre-match projections in securing only a draw.
  • Efficiency shift: Team efficiency remained in line with established performance benchmarks throughout.
  • xG alignment: The 1-1 outcome proved consistent with the 0.36 xG differential favoring Japan.
  • Market alignment: Final result diverged from market projections centered on Sweden.
  • xG expectations: Japan posted 0.9 expected goals while Sweden managed 0.54 in the match.
  • Event impact: No standout incidents shifted momentum away from the even second-half pattern.
  • Red card distortion: Zero red cards issued ensured match dynamics stayed free of numerical imbalances.
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality
I. Barton
I. Barton
Referee • 25 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 30.4
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 4
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
D. Morán Santos
D. Morán Santos
1st Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
H. Pupiro
H. Pupiro
2nd Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
D. Beida
D. Beida
4th Official • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Japan H. Moriyasu
H. Moriyasu
VS
Sweden G. Potter
G. Potter
2
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
1.5
2 i
Last 6 Opponents
Tunisia Rank: W
Netherlands Rank: D
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
1.5 i
Last 6 Opponents
Netherlands Rank: L
Tunisia Rank: W
0
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
0 - 0 - 0
0

Win Probabilities

Live Win Probability (90 Min)
Home Japan
41.13%
Draw
28.68%
Away Sweden
30.19%

Movement

Changes since opening
Japan
+37.51%
Draw
-63.61%
Sweden
+26.1%

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power score: composite of opponent-weighted form (last 6 & 20 games) and league position over last 3 seasons.
18.52
35.28
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
Japan
Sweden
Power Score
18.52
35.28
League Position
2
3
Global Rank
18
38

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
Japan — Opponent-weighted form score
Sweden — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) Japan Sweden

Heatmaps Ball coordinates

Attack and defence zones from ball position data. Filters: last 6 matches (overall/home/away), time period, competition.

–
vs

Japan

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Sweden

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Possession Efficiency Possession-Adjusted

How effectively each team uses and defends their share of possession. Efficiency adjusted based on team possession percentage

Japan ⚠ Proxy
vs
⚠ Proxy Sweden
Attacking Efficiency
Higher is better
Attacking Efficiency
8.45
8.11
Defensive Efficiency
Lower is better
Defensive Efficiency
8.11
8.45
Combined Efficiency Index Z-score combining attacking and defensive possession-adjusted efficiency.
Positive = above league average.
Negative = below league average.
Formula: EfficiencyIndex = z(AttackEff) − z(DefenceEff)
-3 0 3
Japan +0.03 Efficiency Index
vs
Sweden -0.03 Efficiency Index
xG data unavailable for both teams. Values estimated using shots and dangerous attacks (proxy). Confidence: Medium.
Japan
Sweden
AttackEff = xG ÷ pos
DefenceEff = xGA ÷ (1−pos)

Set Pieces Efficiency Attack & Defence

Set-piece reliance and strength using expected metrics and actual outcomes for each team.

Japan
vs
Sweden
Created Set-piece attacking threat
Japan Sweden
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
0%
51%
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
+0.00 vs -0.27
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
Japan Sweden
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
51%
0%
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
-0.27 vs +0.00
Japan
Sweden
xG Share = set-piece xG ÷ total xG
vs Expected = goals − set-piece xG

Counter / Transition Attack & Defence

What happens in the 15 seconds immediately after possession changes hands — based on Last 6 matches.

–
Japan
vs
Sweden
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
Japan Sweden
Goals per Match Average goals scored within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Shots per Match Average shots taken within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Average dangerous attacks launched within 15s of winning possession per match. ↑ better
—
—
Transition Efficiency Index Composite score (0–1) of how efficiently this team attacks within 15s of winning the ball. Higher = more dangerous on transition. Higher = stronger on the counter
Japan 0.31
Sweden 0.06
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
Japan Sweden
Goals Conceded Average goals conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Shots Conceded Average shots conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Conceded Average dangerous attacks allowed within 15s of losing possession per match. ↓ better
—
—
Vulnerability Index Composite score (0–1) of how exposed this team is within 15s of losing the ball. Lower = better at preventing transition attacks. Lower = better transition defence
Japan 0.00
Sweden 0.00
Japan
Sweden
Window = 15s post-possession change
Index = 0–1 composite score

PRESSURE INDEX

Momentum phases from smoothed minute-by-minute pressure.

  • SWE had peak pressure around 100'.
  • SWE started the game with stronger pressure.
JPN Pressure SWE Pressure
⚡
Pressure Index: SWE reached the top pressure at 100' (69.14).

Team Head to Head Last 6 Seasons

Summary of 0 matches between these sides — filtered by competition and venue context.

Japan JPN Home
0 matches
Sweden SWE Away
Match Record
0
Wins
0
0
Draws
0
0
Losses
0
Goals
0
Goals Scored
0
0
Goals Conceded
0
0
Goal Difference
0
Expected Goals
0
xG
0
0
xGA
0

Data last updated: 2026-06-26T00:01:05+00:00

STARTING XI

Match Formation 3-4-2-1
Match Formation 3-4-3
Pitch
Z. Suzuki
Japan
1 Z. Suzuki
A. Seko
Substitution
Japan
20 A. Seko
K. Itakura
Substitution
Japan
4 (C) K. Itakura
H. Ito
Japan
21 H. Ito
Y. Sugawara
Japan
2 Y. Sugawara
A. Tanaka
Japan
7 A. Tanaka
D. Kamada
Japan
15 D. Kamada
K. Nakamura
Substitution
Japan
13 K. Nakamura
R. Doan
Substitution
Japan
10 R. Doan
D. Maeda
Japan
11 D. Maeda
A. Ueda
Substitution
Japan
18 A. Ueda
J. Widell Zetterström
Sweden
1 J. Widell Zetterström
G. Gudmundsson
Substitution
Sweden
5 G. Gudmundsson
I. Hien
Substitution
Sweden
4 I. Hien
G. Lagerbielke
Sweden
2 G. Lagerbielke
E. Stroud
Substitution
Sweden
24 E. Stroud
Y. Ayari
Sweden
18 Y. Ayari
V. Nilsson Lindelöf
Substitution
Sweden
3 (C) V. Nilsson Lindelöf
A. Bernhardsson
Substitution
Sweden
21 A. Bernhardsson
A. Isak
Sweden
9 A. Isak
V. Gyökeres
Sweden
17 V. Gyökeres
A. Elanga
Sweden
11 A. Elanga

General Information

Date & Time
Jun 25, 2026, 11:00 PM
Competition
2026 World Cup, World · Round 3 · Group Stage
Stadium
Dallas Stadium
Capacity
80000
Pitch Surface
Artificial turf
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
Ivan Barton
David Jonathan Morán Santos
Henry Pupiro
Dahane Beida

Statistics

Possession
JPN
52%
SWE
48%

Top Statistics

1 Goals 1
2 Big Chances Created 0
5 Shots 5
32 Dangerous attacks 68
52 Possession 48
2 Corners 8
13 Free kicks 23
1 Yellow Cards 2

Match Overview

6 Goal Kicks 4
5 Substitutions 5
14 Throwins 18
0 Hit Woodwork 1
6 Successful Headers 7
1 Assists 1
10 Dribble Attempts 10
6 Successful Dribbles 4
60 Successful Dribbles Percentage 40

Attacking

78 Attacks 92
1 Big Chances Missed 0

Possession

51 Long Passes 50
446 Passes 395
379 Successful Passes 313
85 Successful Passes Percentage 79
8 Key Passes 7
20 Successful Long Passes 18
39 Successful Long Passes Percentage 36

Defensive

4 Saves 2
13 Tackles 6
4 Interceptions 5
47 Duels Won 40

Build-up

13 Total Crosses 16
4 Accurate Crosses 3

Discipline

3 Offsides 2
20 Fouls 11

Lineup

Referee : Ivan Barton

Starting XI ▼

1
Zion Suzuki
Zion Suzuki Goalkeeper
6.81
4
Ko Itakura
Ko Itakura (C) Defender
6.6
3
Shogo Taniguchi
Shogo Taniguchi
Defender39'
6.48
20
Ayumu Seko
Ayumu Seko Defender
6.58
16
Tsuyoshi Watanabe
Tsuyoshi Watanabe
Defender75'
21
Hiroki Ito
Hiroki Ito Defender
6.91
2
Yukinari Sugawara
Yukinari Sugawara Midfielder
6.56
7
Ao Tanaka
Ao Tanaka Midfielder
6.81
13
Keito Nakamura
Keito Nakamura Midfielder
7.04
5
Yuto Nagatomo
Yuto Nagatomo
Defender75'
15
Daichi Kamada
Daichi Kamada Midfielder
6.85
10
Ritsu Doan
Ritsu Doan Attacker
6.5
14
Junya Ito
Junya Ito
Attacker66'
11
Daizen Maeda
Daizen Maeda Attacker
6.82
18
Ayase Ueda
Ayase Ueda Attacker
6.48
19
Koki Ogawa
Koki Ogawa
Attacker66'
Referee : Ivan Barton

Starting XI ▼

1
Jacob Widell Zetterström
Jacob Widell Zetterström Goalkeeper
6.95
2
Gustaf Lagerbielke
Gustaf Lagerbielke Defender
6.47
4
Isak Hien
Isak Hien Defender
6.53
7
Lucas Bergvall
Lucas Bergvall
Midfielder37'
6.33
5
Gabriel Gudmundsson
Gabriel Gudmundsson Defender
7.01
10
Benjamin Nygren
Benjamin Nygren
Attacker88'
3
Victor Lindelöf
Victor Lindelöf (C) Midfielder
6.55
15
Carl Starfelt
Carl Starfelt
Defender88'
18
Yasin Ayari
Yasin Ayari Midfielder
6.82
21
Alexander Bernhardsson
Alexander Bernhardsson Midfielder
6.61
8
Daniel Svensson
Daniel Svensson
Defender75'
24
Elliot Stroud
Elliot Stroud Midfielder
6.65
13
Ken Sema
Ken Sema
Midfielder75'
9
Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak Attacker
6.45
11
Anthony Elanga
Anthony Elanga Attacker
6.72
17
Viktor Gyökeres
Viktor Gyökeres Attacker
6.4

Events

2ND-HALF
88'
Event
Benjamin Nygren → Gabriel Gudmundsson
9th Substitution
88'
Event
Carl Starfelt → Victor Lindelöf
10th Substitution
85'
Event
Viktor Gyökeres
Foul / 3rd Yellowcard
Event
Shogo Taniguchi
Foul / 2nd Yellowcard
77'
Event
Yuto Nagatomo → Keito Nakamura
5th Substitution
75'
Event
Tsuyoshi Watanabe  → Ayumu Seko
8th Substitution
75'
75'
Event
Ken Sema → Elliot Stroud
6th Substitution
75'
Event
Daniel Svensson → Alexander Bernhardsson
7th Substitution
Event
Junya Ito → Ritsu Doan
3rd Substitution
66'
Event
Koki Ogawa → Ayase Ueda
4th Substitution
66'
62'
Event
Anthony Elanga
Left foot shot / 2nd Goal
Event
Daizen Maeda
Right foot shot / 1st Goal
56'
1ST-HALF
Event
Shogo Taniguchi → Ko Itakura
2nd Substitution
39'
37'
Event
Lucas Bergvall → Isak Hien
1st Substitution
32'
Event
Isak Hien
Foul / 1st Yellowcard

Match Commentary

90
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Attempt saved. Alexander Isak's header from the left side of the six-yard box is stopped in the top center of the goal by Zion Suzuki. The chance was set up by Yasin Ayari's cross.
90
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Anthony Elanga's right-footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the center of the goal by Zion Suzuki. The attempt was assisted by Benjamin Nygren.
90
Corner Corner
Corner awarded to Sweden after Yukinari Sugawara concedes.
90
Update Update
The fourth official has indicated there will be 7 minutes of added time.
88
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Sweden: Benjamin Nygren comes on for Gabriel Gudmundsson.
88
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
88
Update Update
Ken Sema from Sweden is awarded a free kick in the attacking half.
88
Update Update
Foul committed by Yukinari Sugawara of Japan.
88
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Sweden: Carl Starfelt comes on for Victor Lindelöf due to an injury.
86
Update Update
The match is delayed due to an injury to Victor Lindelöf from Sweden.
85
Update Update
Gustaf Lagerbielke wins a free kick for Sweden in the defensive half.
85
Update Update
Foul committed by Koki Ogawa of Japan.
85
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Viktor Gyökeres of Sweden receives a yellow card for a foul.
84
Update Update
Foul committed by Viktor Gyökeres of Sweden.
84
Update Update
Daichi Kamada from Japan is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
83
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed by Koki Ogawa from Japan, who took a left-footed shot from the center of the box.
82
Corner Corner
Japan wins a corner after Gabriel Gudmundsson concedes.
81
Update Update
Gustaf Lagerbielke from Sweden misses a header from the center of the box, sending it to the left. The attempt was assisted by Yasin Ayari with a cross after a set piece situation.
80
Update Update
Anthony Elanga from Sweden wins a free kick on the right wing.
80
Update Update
Hiroki Ito commits a foul for Japan.
79
Attempt Attempt
Ken Sema's left-footed shot from the center of the box is blocked.
78
Attempt Attempt
Attempt blocked. Daniel Svensson's left-footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Lucas Bergvall provided the assist.
78
Corner Corner
Corner awarded to Sweden after a concession by Tsuyoshi Watanabe.
77
Update Update
Viktor Gyökeres from Sweden wins a free kick in the attacking half.
77
Update Update
Foul committed by Shogo Taniguchi of Japan.
77
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Shogo Taniguchi from Japan receives a yellow card for a foul.
76
Update Update
Foul committed by Yukinari Sugawara from Japan.
76
Update Update
Gabriel Gudmundsson from Sweden is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
75
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Sweden: Ken Sema comes on for Elliot Stroud.
75
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Japan: Yuto Nagatomo comes on for Keito Nakamura.
75
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Japan: Tsuyoshi Watanabe comes on for Ayumu Seko.
75
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Sweden: Daniel Svensson comes on for Alexander Bernhardsson.
74
Update Update
Foul committed by Alexander Bernhardsson of Sweden.
74
Update Update
Daichi Kamada from Japan is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
72
Update Update
Elliot Stroud commits a foul for Sweden.
72
Update Update
Elliot Stroud commits a foul for Sweden.
71
Update Update
Junya Ito wins a free kick for Japan on the right wing.
68
Update Update
The match is currently paused for a drinks break.
68
Update Update
Anthony Elanga of Sweden is caught offside.
67
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Japan: Junya Ito comes on for Ritsu Doan.
67
Update Update
Daizen Maeda of Japan commits a handball.
66
Update Update
Viktor Gyökeres commits a foul for Sweden.
66
Update Update
Ao Tanaka from Japan is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
66
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Japan: Koki Ogawa comes on for Ayase Ueda.
65
Corner Corner
Attempt saved. Alexander Isak's right-footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner by Zion Suzuki.
65
Corner Corner
Sweden is awarded a corner after Zion Suzuki concedes.
64
Update Update
Alexander Bernhardsson from Sweden is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
64
Update Update
Foul committed by Daizen Maeda from Japan.
63
Update Update
Anthony Elanga from Sweden wins a free kick in the defensive half.
63
Update Update
Foul committed by Daichi Kamada of Japan.
62
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! The match is now 1-1 as Anthony Elanga scores for Sweden with a left-footed shot from outside the box.
60
Update Update
Hiroki Ito commits a foul for Japan.
60
Update Update
Viktor Gyökeres wins a free kick for Sweden in the attacking half.
56
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Japan leads 1-0 against Sweden as Daizen Maeda scores with a right-footed shot from the center of the box.
53
Update Update
Daichi Kamada is caught offside for Japan.
52
Attempt Attempt
Ayase Ueda's right-footed shot from outside the box is blocked. The attempt was assisted by Keito Nakamura.
51
Update Update
Daizen Maeda is caught offside for Japan.
51
Update Update
Elliot Stroud commits a foul for Sweden.
51
Update Update
Ritsu Doan from Japan is awarded a free kick on the right wing.
50
Corner Corner
Attempt missed. Gustaf Lagerbielke of Sweden heads the ball from the right side of the six-yard box, but it goes to the right. The cross was assisted by Elliot Stroud following a corner.
49
Corner Corner
Sweden wins a corner after Ayumu Seko concedes.
49
Corner Corner
Sweden wins a corner after Hiroki Ito concedes.
48
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Ao Tanaka from Japan takes a right-footed shot from outside the box.
46
Update Update
The second half begins with the score at 0-0 between Japan and Sweden.
45
Corner Corner
Sweden is awarded a corner after Shogo Taniguchi concedes.
45
Corner Corner
Corner awarded to Sweden after Shogo Taniguchi concedes.
45
Update Update
Lucas Bergvall from Sweden wins a free kick in the defensive half.
45
Update Update
Foul committed by Yukinari Sugawara of Japan.
45
Update Update
Offside called against Sweden. Alexander Isak is caught offside.
45
Update Update
The fourth official has indicated that there will be 5 minutes of added time.
45
Update Update
Gabriel Gudmundsson from Sweden is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
45
Update Update
Ritsu Doan from Japan commits a foul.
45
Attempt Attempt
Attempt saved. Keito Nakamura from Japan has a right-footed shot from the left side of the box that is saved.
45
Corner Corner
Corner awarded to Japan after Jacob Widell Zetterström concedes.
43
Update Update
Foul committed by Alexander Bernhardsson of Sweden.
43
Update Update
Daichi Kamada of Japan is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
43
Update Update
Foul committed by Lucas Bergvall of Sweden.
43
Update Update
Ritsu Doan from Japan is awarded a free kick in the attacking half.
42
Update Update
Anthony Elanga wins a free kick for Sweden in the defensive half.
42
Update Update
Foul committed by Ao Tanaka of Japan.
41
Update Update
Gabriel Gudmundsson from Sweden is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
41
Update Update
Ritsu Doan from Japan commits a foul.
40
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Yukinari Sugawara's right-footed shot from outside the box is saved in the center of the goal by Jacob Widell Zetterström. The attempt was assisted by Ao Tanaka.
39
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Japan: Shogo Taniguchi comes on for Ko Itakura.
38
Update Update
Lucas Bergvall from Sweden is awarded a free kick on the left wing.
38
Update Update
Ayase Ueda commits a foul for Japan.
38
Update Update
Foul committed by Lucas Bergvall of Sweden.
38
Update Update
Ao Tanaka from Japan is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
37
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Sweden: Lucas Bergvall comes on for Isak Hien due to an injury.
36
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
35
Update Update
Foul committed by Ao Tanaka of Japan.
35
Update Update
The match is delayed due to an injury to Isak Hien from Sweden.
35
Update Update
Yasin Ayari from Sweden is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
32
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Isak Hien from Sweden receives a yellow card for a foul.
32
Update Update
Isak Hien commits a foul for Sweden.
32
Update Update
Ayase Ueda from Japan is awarded a free kick on the left wing.
29
Update Update
Elliot Stroud commits a foul for Sweden.
29
Update Update
Yukinari Sugawara from Japan is awarded a free kick on the right wing.
28
Update Update
Ayase Ueda commits a foul for Japan.
28
Update Update
Isak Hien from Sweden is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
27
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
24
Update Update
The match is currently delayed for a drinks break.
22
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Daizen Maeda (Japan) header from the centre of the box.
17
Update Update
Yasin Ayari wins a free kick for Sweden in the defensive half.
17
Update Update
Foul committed by Ao Tanaka of Japan.
16
Update Update
Anthony Elanga of Sweden wins a free kick on the right wing.
16
Update Update
Foul committed by Hiroki Ito of Japan.
15
Attempt Attempt
Ritsu Doan's left-footed shot from outside the box is blocked. The attempt was assisted by Keito Nakamura.
10
Update Update
Anthony Elanga wins a free kick for Sweden in the attacking half.
10
Update Update
Foul committed by Ao Tanaka of Japan.
9
Update Update
Foul committed by Gabriel Gudmundsson of Sweden.
9
Update Update
Ayase Ueda of Japan is awarded a free kick on the right wing.
7
Update Update
Ayase Ueda is caught offside for Japan.
6
Attempt Attempt
Attempt saved. Alexander Bernhardsson's left-footed shot from outside the box is saved.
4
Update Update
Foul committed by Ritsu Doan of Japan.
4
Attempt Attempt
Alexander Bernhardsson takes a left-footed shot, but it's saved.
2
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
1
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
1
Update Update
Kick-off! The referee is Ivan Barton.

CONCLUSION

The 1-1 draw between Japan and Sweden delivered a measured contest where underlying numbers aligned closely with the scoreboard. Japan leveraged their modest possession and xG edge to respond effectively after falling behind. Sweden maintained composure despite entering as favorites yet could not convert their status into a victory. Both sides demonstrated tactical discipline that limited clear openings and kept the game level. The absence of cards or dramatic swings allowed the match to unfold on merit alone. This result underscores how small margins in creation can produce parity when defenses hold firm. Observers noted the even halftime score carried forward into a second period defined by incremental adjustments rather than upheaval. Ultimately the outcome reinforced the value of process over pre-game assumptions in international fixtures.