Anthony Elanga explains bizarre reaction to Sweden qualifying for World Cup knockout stages

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Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleChiranjit OjhaFriday 26 June 2026 14:04 BSTScotland coach Steve Clarke fears his team 'probably going home' after Brazil World Cup lossAnthony Elanga dramatically collapsed in frustration after Sweden's 1-1 draw with Japan, mistakenly believing his team had been eliminated from the World Cup.Despite his intense reaction, Elanga's equaliser had, in fact, secured Sweden's progression to the round of 32 as one of the higher-ranked third-placed teams.Unaware of their qualification, Elanga battled through cramp and relentlessly urged his teammates to score a second goal, as he explained his reaction after only learning of their success after the final whistle.His misunderstanding prompted a gentle rebuke from teammate Alexander Isak and shared confusion from goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, while head coach Graham Potter found the situation endearing.Sweden, who finished below the Netherlands and Japan in Group F, now await their opponent in the round of 32, following a mixed group stage campaign that included a significant win and loss.In fullAnthony Elanga collapses in despair after failing to realise he saved Sweden’s World Cup dreamThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in