Dallas, June 26 -- Following a 1-1 draw against Sweden in their final league stage FIFA World Cup match, Japan not only confirmed their Round of 32 spot, but also continued their fine run against European nations.

Japan, having ended the group F second with a win and two draws, with five points, has a chance to go better than their four round of 16 finishes in the past FIFA World Cups.

Japan will have to go against some quality competition from European sides, but the team, statistically has proven that they can hang around with some of the best in the sport. Since 2021, Japan has been unbeaten against European nations for 11 straight games (wins eight and three draws). It is their longest streak of unbeaten matches against European nat...