Alexander Isak berates Anthony Elango in frustration at the knockout stage

Anthony Elanga’s goal helped Sweden book a place in the round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup after a 1-1 draw against Japan on Friday, June 26, but the striker’s emotional reaction at full-time stole the spotlight. Elanga, who believed Sweden needed a win to progress, was left frustrated after the final whistle, prompting teammate Alexander Isak to jokingly berate him as the qualifying scenario became clear.

Sweden finished third in Group F, one point behind second-placed Japan, but advanced as one of the best third-placed teams in the tournament.

Isak admitted he had to calm Elanga down after the final whistle, revealing the winger didn’t realize a draw was enough to secure qualification.

“He got a bit of a scolding from me there. He was a bit frustrated at the end of the game and now you understand,” Isak told reporters, as quoted by Reuters. “Obviously he was desperate for us to score another goal. Disappointed Elanga after the match with Japan (Photo Reuters)

Elanga later explained that he was only focused on trying to win the match and was unaware of the standings.

“I was just yelling, come on, we can go to the next one. I got a cramp toward the end, but I didn’t want to stop running,” he said.

SWEDEN QUALIFYING FROM GROUP F

Sweden’s qualifiers underwent the tournament’s best-third-place rule, which allows the highest-placed teams that finish third in their groups to advance to the knockout stage.

Although Japan secured second place in Group F with the draw, Sweden’s point from their match against Japan was enough to advance to the round of 32 based on their overall ranking compared to the other third-placed countries.

Their other opponents will only be confirmed once the remaining group stage matches have been completed.

Elang’s determination was evident during the closing stages of the contest as he urged his teammates to push for the winning goal despite suffering from cramp.

His visible frustration after the final whistle contrasted with the celebrations around him as he briefly believed Sweden’s World Cup campaign was over.

The confusion was not limited to Elanga. Debutant goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, whose diving save late in the first half helped preserve the tie, admitted he also didn’t realize Sweden had advanced until after the game.

Head coach Graham Potter, meanwhile, chose to see the lighter side of the incident, praising Elang’s commitment and joking about his misunderstanding.

“It couldn’t have been clearer to him. He’s obviously got something else on his mind, bless him. I love him right now, dear,” Potter said.

Sweden will now shift their focus to the knockout stages, where they await confirmation of their Group 32 opponents once the remaining final group stage matches are completed.

Football World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | football news

– The end

Published on:

June 26, 2026 6:42 PM IST