Japan v Sweden LIVE: Team news and latest updates in key World Cup Group F clash

Sweden’s inventory could also be low within the wake of their 5-1 thrashing by Netherlands, however only some days prior it had been sky excessive, once they thrashed Tunisia 5-1 themselves.

Nonetheless, their future within the event is within the steadiness, and so is the repute of their coach Graham Potter, whose personal inventory has undulated through the years.

Right here, he was interviewed by our part-Swede, Lawrence Ostlere:

Right here’s all the pieces it’s essential to learn about Group F’s knockout spherical permutations:

Japan consider they’ve cracked the code to turning into a soccer superpower and it has all the pieces to do with pleasure.

4 years in the past the JFA launched a manifesto outlining precisely how they plan to win the World Cup by 2050. As hosts, no much less.

The technique is crammed with the acquainted substances of pyramid graphics and bullet factors, mentions of synergy and expertise identification, however the headline that units The Japan Approach aside arrives on the primary web page.

“To develop into the happiest nation on this planet by way of soccer.”

Japan face Sweden of their ultimate World Cup group stage conflict, an intriguing contest in Arlington, Texas which – on the premise of the 2 groups’ final two matches – could possibly be a goalfest.

There’s nearly all the pieces to play for in Group F, the place the highest three may all reverse order after the ultimate set of video games. The Netherlands lead Japan on objectives scored with 4 factors from the primary obtainable six whereas Sweden path one level behind, with pointless Tunisia already out of the reckoning.

Darkish horses Japan thumped underperformers Tunisia 4-0 final day trip, whereas Sweden obtained a style of their very own drugs as Graham Potter’s aspect had been torn aside 5-1 by the Netherlands, having overwhelmed Tunisia by the identical scoreline of their opener.

A draw could be sufficient for Japan to ensure a top-two end and computerized development to the knockout rounds, however there stays loads of jeopardy on this group as a defeat for Sweden would depart them wanting over their shoulder at different third-placed groups.

Observe newest build-up and updates from Japan v Sweden, proper right here.