Sweden advance to World Cup Semi-Finals after defeating Japan 2-1
Fridolina Rolfo of Sweden and Kosovare Asllani attend a press conference at Wellington Regional Stadium Credit: Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Sweden solidified their place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-finals, after a tense 2-1 victory over a determined Japanese side.
Sweden, buoyed by their win over reigning champions USA, started with vigor.
Stina Blackstenius almost netted the opener but missed the mark. Amanda Ilestedt, however, made no mistake and secured her fourth goal of the campaign, capitalizing on a chaotic moment in the penalty box following a set piece.
Not long after, Kosovare Asllani's scorching volley was denied by Japan's keeper, Ayaka Yamashita, who deflected the ball onto the post.
The second half witnessed Filippa Angeldahl, the Manchester City midfielder, confidently converting a penalty after a handball incident, taking Sweden's lead to 2-0.
Japan, not to be subdued easily, retaliated strongly. Riko Ueki's unfortunate penalty miss, hitting the crossbar, was a setback.
The Nadeshiko's resurgence continued as Aoba Fujino's free-kick nearly found its mark, touching both the bar and the post.
Their persistence paid off when Honoka Hayashi's strike revived hopes of a comeback.
However, the clock worked against Japan, and as the final whistle blew, Sweden emerged as victors, preparing themselves for a semi-final clash against Spain.
In the aftermath, Japan's coach, Futoshi Ikeda, expressed his pride in the team's performance, stating, "I am proud of the players for not giving up and fighting till the end. We showed what we are able to do as Japan, as Nadeshiko in every match."
Saki Kumagai, the team's captain, voiced her frustration, lamenting missed opportunities but appreciated her teammates' undying spirit, noting, "I wanted to keep on playing with them... but we have no choice but to accept this result."
