Elanga's confusion after Sweden's World Cup qualification draws teammate's rebuke

Sweden secured a spot in the World Cup's round of 32 after a 1-1 draw with Japan, but the celebration was tinged with confusion for striker Anthony Elanga.

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He got a little scolding from me there. He was a little frustrated at the end of the match and you can understand that now.

Elanga, unaware that the single point from the draw was enough to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams, continued to push his teammates for a winning goal. He even experienced cramps from the exertion, drawing criticism from teammate Alexander Isak.

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I just shouted, come on, we can go for more... I got cramp at the end but didn't want to stop running.

"He got a little scolding from me there. He was a little frustrated at the end of the match and you can understand that now," Isak told reporters. Elanga himself admitted he didn't realize they only needed one point until after the match concluded, as he was focused on scoring more.

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I was just as clueless.

Sweden's goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom shared Elanga's initial confusion, stating he was equally clueless about their qualification status. Coach Graham Potter found the situation amusing, remarking, "It couldn't have been any clearer for him. He's obviously thinking about something else, bless him."

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It couldn't have been any clearer for him. He's obviously thinking about something else, bless him. I love him at the moment, but dear me.