Sweden beat Japan by 2-1 in the quarter-final match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup played in Auckland, New Zealand. The goals for Sweden were scored by Amanda Ilestedt (32′) and Filippa Angeldal (51′ – penalty), and Honoka Hayashi (87′) was accurate for the Japanese women. Thus, the Scandinavian women dethroned another of the favorites in the tournament, after they eliminated the USA in the Round of 16 after a penalty shootout.
The match started evenly, but the Swedes were the first to strike in the 32nd minute when Amanda Ilestedt was accurate after a scramble to open the scoring for 1-0. The second half started in a very good position for Sweden, as in the 47th minute Johanna Rytting Kaneryd shot dangerously, but Japanese goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita was able to clear for a corner. Four minutes later, however, Fuka Nagano played with a hand in her penalty area and after a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty, which was converted into a goal by Filippa Angeldal in the 51st minute for 2-0 for Sweden.
The Japanese tried to respond, winning a penalty in turn, but it was missed by substitute Riko Ueki in the 76th minute, who aimed the crossbar at Swedish keeper Zecira Musovic. Ten minutes later, Aoba Fujino’s free-kick also hit Sweden’s crossbar as the ball traveled over the goal line but never found the back of the net. However, in the 87th minute, Japan reduced the score to 1-2 with a goal by another reserve – Honoka Hayashi. A long 10-minute extension was also given, during which, however, the Swedes managed to maintain their lead.
Thus, Sweden will play in the semi-finals with the Spanish women’s national football team, who earlier in the day defeated the Netherlands 2-1 after extra time.
The Swedes continue to be undefeated at the World Cup, while for the impressive so far Japan, it was the first, but it cost them their place in the tournament.
