❌ Devastated at full-time: World Cup screamer hero thought side were out | OneFootball

Anthony Elanga experienced one of the strangest moments of this World Cup after the final whistle – and that, of all times, after perhaps his most important goal of the tournament.

The attacker scored the crucial equalizer in Sweden’s 1-1 draw with Japan, keeping the Scandinavians in the race for the knockout stage. But while his teammates celebrated qualification, Elanga initially felt like his world had fallen apart.

Immediately after the final whistle, the 24-year-old dropped to the turf in frustration and openly showed his disappointment. The reason: Elanga was convinced that the draw would not be enough to go through. In fact, Sweden had already secured a place in the round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams, thanks to the point and a total of four.

The confusion did not last long, however. Teammates rushed over to Elanga and explained the actual group standings to him. Only then did the winger realize that Sweden was still in the tournament.

The scene also prompted some smiles at the subsequent press conference. National coach Graham Potter reacted with humor to his goalscorer’s mistake.

“Oh my goodness,” Potter said with a laugh. “That explains a lot. But we couldn’t have made it any clearer for him.”

Even before that, the Swedish coach had suggested that the team had discussed various scenarios for the final matchday of the group stage. Apparently, though, the message had not fully got through to Elanga.

His goal, however, was hugely important from a sporting perspective. Against a strong Japanese side, Sweden defended with discipline and held firm for a long time before Elanga produced an equalizer out of nowhere with a stunning strike.

What seemed like a World Cup exit thus turned into a moment of relief within just a few moments – and a story that will likely stay with Elanga for a long time.

Sweden’s World Cup journey now continues. However, it is not yet known who they will face in the round of 32.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

📸 PAUL ELLIS - AFP or licensors