Anthony Elanga 'scolded' by Alexander Isak as Victor Lindelof suggests forward was 'asleep' in team meetings after reaction to Sweden draw with Japan

React to this story

Anthony Elanga scored his second goal at the 2026 World Cup in a 1-1 draw with Japan in Sweden's final Group F game on Thursday, but he looked deflated at full-time, which was puzzling for team-mates and viewers alike.

Graham Potter

Image credit: Getty Images

The Newcastle United winger's goal had just helped Sweden reach the World Cup knockout stages for only the second time since 2006.

The result saw Sweden finish third in the group on four points, with their total enough to confirm qualification as one of the eight-best third-placed teams.

Amazingly, Elanga had to admit that he was not aware Sweden needed just a point to reach the last 32, which is why he appeared frustrated at the end of the game.

World Cup

Which nations and federations support FIFA president Infantino? Who is opposing him?

13 hours ago

"I didn't know that one point was enough," he said. "I just shouted: 'Come on, we can go for more.'

"I'm glad we're through. I didn't know that at the end. I think they [team-mates] were trying to shout at me.

"I obviously wanted to keep running. I got cramp at the end but didn't want to stop running. I'm happy and the whole team is too."

After Sweden fell behind to Daizen Maeda's opener, Elanga quickly levelled the scoring shortly after the hour mark with a wonderful curled strike from the edge of the box.

I love him but dear me

Sweden boss Graham Potter saw the funny side when Elanga's reaction was put to him in the post-match press conference.

"That explains a few things then!" he laughed.

"It can't be any clearer. It couldn't have been any clearer for him; he's obviously thinking about something else, bless him. I love him at the moment, but dear me..."

Sweden's progression means that they will next face either Germany, Mexico, Switzerland, or the winner of Group I, which will be either France or Norway.

Alexander Isak and Victor Lindelof also reacted to Elanga's full-time woes.

Liverpool striker Isak said: "Unfortunately, it was true. He got a little scolded by me there. He was a little frustrated at the end of the match, and you can understand that now."

Meanwhile, Sweden captain Lindelof - who revealed the players had a team meeting around the conditions of the match and what each result would mean for the team's World Cup hopes - added: "I know myself, you can fall asleep a little in meetings. He couldn't have been awake enough!"

In Group F's other match on Thursday, the Netherlands secured a comfortable 3-1 win over Tunisia to book their spot in the round of 32 as group winners.

The victory means the Netherlands will take on Morocco on Tuesday, June 30, while second-placed Japan progress to face Brazil a day earlier, on Monday, June 29.

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.

Stream the Premier League, Men’s and Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and HBO Max

World Cup

Figo blasts 'deceitful' Infantino and calls for FIFA president to resign

05/08/2026 at 16:49

World Cup

UEFA confirms intention to boycott World Cup amid Infantino spin-off plan

30/07/2026 at 20:48

Related Matches

Japan

Sweden