Leeds United teammates Ao Tanaka and Gabriel Gudmundsson will continue their World Cup trips after Japan and Sweden played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw in their final Group F match at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
In front of 70,137 spectators, the two Leeds stars went head to head for the first time on football’s biggest stage and the result confirmed Japan’s place in the last 16, finishing second in Group F behind the Netherlands, with Sweden moving into third.
Japan broke the deadlock 11 minutes into the second half when Daizen Maeda gave his side the lead but Anthony Elanga responded with an equalizer and Sweden earned their share of the spoils.
Tanaka again produced an outstanding performance in the center of Japan’s midfield, playing the full 90 minutes and leading the game in touches with 93. The Leeds midfielder also completed more dribbles than any other player on the pitch (three), while recording 68 passes, creating one chance and playing seven passes into the final third.
Defensively, the 27-year-old continued to impress with three tackles, one clearance, one interception and eight tackles, while also winning nine duels in another influential result.
Former Scotland international Scott Brown, who worked for BBC Sport, was full of praise for the midfielder.
“Ao Tanaka was incredible. I really enjoyed watching him. His energy and desire to win the ball back, he does a great job in that part of the game.”
Gudmundsson also had another strong performance for Sweden before being replaced by Celtic’s Benjamin Nygren in the 88th minute.
The Leeds defender registered 62 touches and completed 42 passes, as well as one tackle, two blocks, three clearances, one interception and three recoveries. He also won six duels, demonstrating excellent defensive play.
Japan now prepare for a mouth-watering Round of 16 tie against Brazil on Monday, June 29, while Sweden will have to wait to find out who they face in the knockout stages against France, Norway, Germany or Switzerland.