Dallas [US], June 26 (HBTV): Japan's Yuto Nagatomo created history on Thursday (local time) by becoming the first Asian player to feature in five FIFA World Cup editions during Japan's Group F match against Sweden at the Dallas Stadium.
The 39-year-old has now appeared at the FIFA World Cups in South Africa (2010), Brazil (2014), Russia (2018), Qatar (2022) and the 2026 tournament hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, cementing his place among the game's longest-serving international footballers.
With his latest appearance, Nagatomo also became only the 10th player in football history to feature in five or more FIFA World Cups. The elite list includes Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have each appeared in six editions, along with Luka Modric, Luis Suarez, Manuel Neuer, Lothar Matthaus, Andres Guardado, Rafael Marquez, Antonio Carbajal and now Yuto Nagatomo.
Japan's historic milestone came in a 1-1 draw against Sweden in their final Group F fixture, a result that secured qualification to the Round of 32 for both teams.
The opening half was a tightly contested affair, with both sides prioritising defensive solidity and limiting clear-cut chances. Japan enjoyed more possession and controlled much of the midfield, while Sweden remained organised at the back.
Both teams suffered injury setbacks before half-time. Sweden defender Isak Hien was forced off with an injury, while Japan replaced defender Ko Itakura before the interval. Despite Japan creating the better opportunities, including a fine save by Sweden goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom to deny Keito Nakamura, the teams went into the break locked at 0-0.
Japan broke the deadlock in the 56th minute through Daizen Maeda following a superb passing move involving Yukinari Sugawara, Ritsu Doan and Ayase Ueda. Maeda timed his run perfectly before calmly guiding the ball into the far corner.
Sweden responded just six minutes later when Anthony Elanga capitalised on a loose ball, cut inside from the flank and curled a fine strike beyond Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to restore parity.
Both sides made changes in the closing stages as they looked to preserve the result that would send them through to the knockout phase. Sweden threatened from a series of late set-pieces, but Suzuki remained composed to keep the scores level.
The 1-1 draw was enough for both teams to advance, with Japan finishing the group stage unbeaten and Sweden also booking their place in the Round of 32.
(ANI)