Japan and Sweden clash on Thursday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in a crucial Group F match that could see the Samurai Blue secure a spot in the World Cup Round of 16.
Samurai Blue are in pole position to finish as one of the top two in Group F, having picked up four points so far, drawing level with the Netherlands by beating Tunisia. A draw or win against Sweden would ensure they finish top or second in the group.
Goal difference could be the deciding factor for Japan in victory, assuming the Netherlands beat Tunisia in their final match. This would ensure an easier last 32 tie – on paper, at least.
Sweden need a win to automatically qualify as one of the top two, but a draw would likely be enough to progress as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Beating Japan could hypothetically finish first, giving the Dutch a stumble against Tunisia.
A defeat for Sweden leaves them in a precarious position and at the mercy of others.
Japan is looking strong, with high hopes of a win.
Sweden managed an impressive performance, but were defeated by the Netherlands last time out. Their World Cup opener was a 5-1 win over Tunisia, followed by a 5-1 loss to the Netherlands.
Japan’s high-scoring win was all the more impressive considering they were without several key players, including Takefusa Kubo who has a knee injury and remains a doubt for the Sweden match.
Samurai Blue are already without a number of injured stars, including Takumi Minamino, Kaoru Mitoma and captain Wataru Endo, while Shūto Machino, who replaced Endo in the squad, missed the Tunisia triumph due to illness.
Japan form: Hajime Moriyasu’s men head into Thursday’s match full of belief. They are unbeaten in nine matches and have conquered the likes of Brazil and England during that run, often striking the perfect balance between attack and defence. In the team’s unbeaten run, they kept six clean sheets but scored an impressive 19 times. Sweden’s struggles: The main problem for Sweden is clearly its defence, which has deservedly delivered five Dutchmen. Not keeping a clean sheet in 13 games and unlikely to thwart a tantalizing Japan attack, Potter has failed to solidify a backline that has conceded 22 times in its last 10 outings.
Coach Moriyasu is likely to name an unchanged line-up, having secured a scintillating win on day two.
Japan predicted lineup vs. Sweden (3-4-2-1): Z. Suzuki; Tomiyasu, Itakura, H. Itō; Dōan, Sano, Tanaka, Nakamura; Itō, Kamada; Ueda.
Sweden’s coach Potter could make changes, with Anthony Elanga potentially earning a promotion to the starting XI as Potter’s right-back.
Anthony Elanga scored off the bench against Holland and caused real problems with his pace, potentially earning him a start.
Lucas Bergvall could earn his first start of the tournament, replacing Celtic’s Benjamin Nygren in midfield to make Sweden harder to play against.
Isak and Gyökeres will continue to lead the line and give Japan’s defense some major headaches as their partnership blossoms.
Sweden vs Japan predicted line-up (3-5-2): Nordfeldt; Lagerbielke, Hien, Lindelöf; Elanga, Bergvall, Karlström, Ayari, Gudmundsson; Gyökeres, Isak.
The Japan vs Sweden match will be broadcast in several countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.
This match is a must-watch for football fans, with Japan predicted to win 3-1.
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Location: Arlington, United StatesStadium: AT&T StadiumDate: Thursday, June 25 / Friday, June 26 Kickoff: 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT / 12:00 BST (June 26)Referee: Iván Barton (SLV)
MORE: Complete list of worldwide broadcasters for Japan vs. Sweden
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