Isak Hien, 27, was injured in the first half against Japan.
The centre-back limped off the pitch.
Something went wrong for Hien in connection with a Japanese post. He reached for the ball and injured himself at the same moment. After some medical treatment, Hien was helped to limp off the pitch.
Midfielder Lucas Bergvall came in for Hien in the 37th minute. At the same time, Victor Nilsson Lindelöf changed position from midfielder to center back.
– It is obviously a break for us, because he is a key player, says Sweden’s national team captain Graham Potter to SVT at halftime.
Shortly after the Swedish substitution, Japan also replaced a centre-back due to injury. Shongo Taniguchi came in for Ko Itakura.
Goalless first half
The first half was uneventful, but Japan pressed Sweden down and took the lead 1–0 at the start of the second half.
A draw or victory is required for Sweden to be guaranteed a place in the round of 16. In the event of a loss, Sweden must rely on other results going their way.
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Hien injured himself without any opponents around. Photo: Pontus Orre
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