Group F wraps up play today with three teams still alive to win the group – Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden. Japan and Sweden play for a chance to lock in their spot in the Round of 32 tonight at Dallas Stadium. The Netherlands plays Tunisia at the same time (6 p.m.) in Kansas City.
Japan and Sweden both qualify for the Round of 32 with a win. If the Netherlands draws or loses, the winner of Japan-Sweden would win the group. Japan could also pass the Netherlands if both teams win, but Japan wins by a bigger margin or scores more goals. Japan could also win the group with a draw if the Netherlands loses to Tunisia, which was eliminated after losing to Japan and Sweden. Japan also advances with a draw as they lead Sweden on points.
If Sweden loses, the Netherlands automatically advances regardless of their result. The Netherlands needs to match or improve on Japan’s result to win the group, since they’re level on points. The Netherlands would still qualify with a loss as long as Japan and Sweden don’t tie; if both things happen, the Netherlands would still have a chance to qualify as a second or third-place team, depending on tie-breakers. The Netherlands would likely advance with a draw, but seeding would be up to tie-breakers if Japan and Sweden do not draw.
All three teams could still qualify as a third-place team with a loss, but it would depend on tie-breakers with teams in other groups.
The team that wins Group F will play Morocco in Monterrey, Mexico, on Monday, June 29, at 8 p.m. CST. The second-place team will play Brazil the same day in Houston at noon.
FC Dallas defender Herman Johansson is on Sweden’s roster; he has yet to play this tournament.
