The Japanese arrive with four points, after drawing 2-2 against the Netherlands and beating Tunisia 4-0, results with which they have shown dynamic football and defensive solidity. Sweden, for its part, has three points after beating Tunisia 5-1 and losing 5-1 to the Netherlands. The Swedish team needs at least a draw to depend on other results or a victory to advance directly.
The history between both teams is even: five matches, with one victory for each and three draws. The most recent was a 1-1 in a friendly played in 2002.
Japan has impressed in this group stage thanks to its quick transitions and a creative midfield led by the likes of Takefusa Kubo, although he may be absent through injury, and Daichi Kamada. Sweden is betting on its physical power, with Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres as the main attacking threats.
The Japanese coach has emphasized the importance of keeping a clean sheet, while Sweden will look to exploit the spaces on the wings. A win for Japan could put them in first place in the group, depending on the result of the other match. For Sweden, the match is decisive: a defeat would leave them practically eliminated.
The Dallas Stadium, with capacity for more than 80 thousand spectators, expects a vibrant atmosphere, with a strong presence of Asian and European fans.
The key will be in control of the midfield and offensive effectiveness. Japan arrives with a better moment and greater confidence, but Sweden has the experience and physicality to surprise. The Salvadoran referee Iván Barton will direct the match, which will begin at 8:00 p.m. in Argentina (approximate local time).
Follow here minute by minute presslibre.com with updates, live statistics, confirmed lineups and the best plays from this decisive Group F duel.