The 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands last Saturday in Houston was a difficult one to take for Sweden, especially after they had cruised past Tunisia by the same scoreline in their opener.
But Graham Potter’s men righted the ship in many ways at Dallas Stadium against Japan, bouncing back from a second half deficit to earn a , and most importantly, a spot in the Round of 32.
As he did against the Dutch, Anthony Elanga etched his name on the scoresheet, this time with a left-footed laser, which the 24-year-old Newcastle United man knew was goalbound as soon as he hit it.
“It felt good. I felt like I got a good connection on the ball and I'm really happy with that,” said Elanga to FIFA. “At the same time, I really wanted to win today, but I think a point was enough in the end.
“Of course, all we can do now is focus on the next game. I don't know who we'll play against, but every game is tough and every game will be a challenge. So we're ready for that,” he added.
There was also a noticeable intensity from the Swedes, knowing that defeat would most likely mean packing their bags and heading home.
“Sweden were a brave team today. And don't forget, we're a young team as well and we really fought for the draw,” said Elanga. “Of course, we wanted to win. But we have to remember, Japan are a good team. They have been unbeaten for a long time. They played really well and they're a very organised team that have played many years together. We've got to respect our opponents, respect them, and all we can do now is focus on the next game.”
Not only did Elanga start after coming off the bench against the Netherlands, but Potter handed a first World Cup nod to goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom. Elanga marveled at how the 27-year-old handled things in just his fourth cap.
“I'm really proud of the whole team, especially Jacob who came in today,” said Elanga. “I think he did a terrific game. He saved us a lot of times in the game and I'm really proud of him.”
Widell Zetterstrom himself took pride at how Sweden cleaned things up in the finale and can take confidence from the result into the knockouts.
“I think as a unit we worked slightly better,” said Widell Zetterstrom to FIFA. “We were more compact. I think we looked at what we could have done better from the last game and we learned from it. Games are always going to be different, so you can't really compare two games too easily.
“But I think defensively this was a very good, a solid game from us and we’re happy to get the point. It's a big dream for everyone to be here and to get through to the next stage means a lot,” said Widell Zetterstrom.
Sources: FIFA Official
