SOCCER: Sweden's Elanga earns draw with Japan to keep their World Cup alive

Sweden secured a place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage after battling to a 1-1 draw with Japan on Thursday, with Anthony Elanga scoring a second-half equalizer to earn his side a crucial point in Group F.

Elanga curled home in the 62nd minute, six minutes after Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead with a well-worked team goal. The result sent both teams into the next round, with Japan finishing second in the group on five points to set up a last-32 meeting with five-time world champion Brazil.

Sweden, which bounced back from a 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands in its previous group match, finished third with four points. The total was enough to secure one of the tournament's eight knockout spots reserved for the best third-placed teams across the 12 groups.

"I had the feeling throughout the game that I wanted to do something today," Elanga said after the match. "I really have to thank Graham for the confidence he's given me since day one."

"I'm happy I scored. Of course, I wanted to win, but in the end everyone shouted at me that we needed one point. I'm happy we're through, and now we have to try to play even better in the next match."

Neither side created many clear chances during a quiet first half, although Japan nearly broke the deadlock before halftime when Keito Nakamura forced Sweden goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom into a full-stretch save.

Japan came out stronger after the break and was rewarded in the 56th minute. Ritsu Doan combined with Ayase Ueda before threading a pass through Sweden's defense, allowing Maeda to finish calmly from close range.

Sweden responded quickly as Elanga produced a superb left-footed strike from the edge of the penalty area, bending the ball beyond Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to level the score.

Suzuki preserved the draw with two outstanding late saves, first denying Alexander Isak from close range before tipping the Swedish forward's stoppage-time header onto the crossbar to ensure Japan held on for second place in the group. -Reporting by Michael Church, Editing by Christian Radnedge/Reuters