Anthony Elanga scored a screamer to book Sweden a tricky test against France in the round of 32.
Anthony Elanga has insisted he was fully aware that Sweden qualified for the knockout rounds.
A comical situation saw the Newcastle United ace slump to his knees in despair at the full-time whistle as Graham Potter and the rest of the Sweden bench celebrated. Elanga’s wonder goal secured a 1-1 draw with Japan in their final group game at the weekend.
The suggestion was that Elanga thought Sweden had been eliminated despite four points being enough. However, the 24-year-old has claimed he was simply unhappy at only drawing the game and knew a point would ensure qualification.
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‘I’m a winner’ - Anthony Elanga
"The Japan game was a bit of a disappointment but, at the same time, a bit of joy because I wanted to win the game,” Elanga told the BBC. “I wanted to score again. Of course, I was told during the game that one point was enough. I'm a winner.
“I want to win every single game and I wanted us to get some momentum and rhythm for the next round, but at the end of the day, one point was enough, and we're all happy with that. I knew we had qualified. I just wanted to win the game because I'm a winner, and I wanted to score more goals."
Alexander Isak not so sure…
Newcastle mercenary Alexander Isak scolded Elanga at full-time and let slip that his international teammate was not aware of Sweden’s fate. The pair face a tricky test against tournament favourites France in the round of 32.
"I went to ask him (Elanga) if this is true (that he didn't understand) and unfortunately it was,” Isak said. "He got a small lecture from me there. He was so frustrated at the end and now I know why."
‘Bless him’ - Graham Potter
"It couldn't have been any clearer for him,” Potter rold reporters about Elanga. “So he's obviously thinking about something else. Bless him. I love him at the moment. But dear me."
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