Sweden drew 1-1 with Japan in the World Cup on Friday morning, with both sides qualifying for the knockout stages, but Newcastle United's Anthony Elanga was unaware of Sweden's qualification scenario
Isaac Seelochan Senior Sports Journalist
09:51, 26 Jun 2026
Alexander Isak looks on
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak gave Anthony Elanga a telling off(Image: Europa Press via Getty Images)
Alexander Isak demonstrated his leadership qualities after the Liverpool striker reprimanded Anthony Elanga, who was unaware of Sweden's World Cup qualification position heading into the knockout stages.
Graham Potter's side are assured of a third-place finish following a 1-1 draw with Japan in the early hours of Friday morning. It means Liverpool trio confirmed to return late to pre-season after World Cup progression.
The result proved favourable for both nations in terms of progressing from Group F, and both sides appeared satisfied with the outcome during an uneventful opening half. However, the second 45 minutes in Dallas erupted into life. Daizen Maeda broke the deadlock for Japan 10 minutes after the interval, capitalizing on some impressive play on the edge of the Sweden penalty area.
Yet Newcastle United winger Elanga curled in a superb left-footed effort seven minutes later for his second goal in as many World Cup appearances.
Sweden could now face any of Germany, Group I winners, Mexico, USA or Switzerland - depending on which other third-placed sides advance.
Nevertheless, Magpies forward Elanga has admitted following Friday's stalemate with Japan that he remained completely unaware that Sweden only needed a single point to seal their place in the last 32, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Speaking via Swedish newspaper Sportbladet, 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."
And Isak - who departed Newcastle to join Liverpool last summer - has admitted to reprimanding Elanga. The striker said: "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."
Anthony Elanga was oblivious over Sweden's World Cup status
Anthony Elanga was oblivious over Sweden's World Cup status(Image: Getty)
Sweden captain Victor Lindelof revealed that the squad had conducted a pre-match briefing to review their qualification scenarios. However, Elanga seemed to have missed the key details.
Sweden manager Potter acknowledged the amusing aspect when questioned after the match about Elanga's apparent lack of awareness. He said: "That explains a few things. We couldn't have been clearer, but he was obviously thinking of something else."
Former West Ham and Brighton boss Potter also praised Elanga's performance alongside that of goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstorm. This followed Sweden's comprehensive 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands in their preceding fixture.
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He added: "We analysed the game against the Netherlands. We had to defend the box and wide areas better [today].
"We decided to use Jacob's attributes because I think he's a fantastic goalkeeper. His distribution was very impressive.
"Anthony [Elanga] comes in and offers a counter-attack threat and his pace is destabilising for the opponent."