Sweden advance to World Cup Semi-Finals after defeating Japan 2-1
- Extratime Team
- Sat, Aug 12 2023
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."
Subs
Subs
P | Team | Pd | W | D | L | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Peamount Utd | 20 | 17 | 1 | 2 | 52 |
2 | Shels FC | 20 | 15 | 1 | 4 | 46 |
3 | Shamrock Rvrs | 20 | 13 | 6 | 1 | 45 |
4 | Galway Women | 20 | 12 | 2 | 6 | 38 |
5 | Athlone | 20 | 11 | 2 | 7 | 35 |
6 | Bohs | 20 | 9 | 4 | 7 | 31 |
7 | Wexford W | 20 | 8 | 4 | 8 | 28 |
8 | DLR Waves | 20 | 3 | 4 | 13 | 13 |
9 | Sligo | 20 | 3 | 2 | 15 | 11 |
10 | Treaty Utd | 20 | 1 | 5 | 14 | 8 |
11 | Cork City W | 20 | 1 | 3 | 16 | 6 |
P | Team | Pd | W | D | L | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Galway | 36 | 30 | 4 | 2 | 94 |
2 | Waterford | 36 | 20 | 9 | 7 | 69 |
3 | Cobh | 36 | 16 | 11 | 9 | 59 |
4 | Wexford | 36 | 15 | 8 | 13 | 53 |
5 | Athlone | 36 | 14 | 5 | 17 | 47 |
6 | Treaty United | 36 | 12 | 8 | 16 | 44 |
7 | Bray | 36 | 10 | 14 | 12 | 44 |
8 | Longford | 36 | 10 | 10 | 16 | 40 |
9 | Harps | 36 | 9 | 10 | 17 | 37 |
10 | Kerry | 36 | 1 | 7 | 28 | 10 |
P | Team | Pd | W | D | L | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Shamrock R | 36 | 20 | 12 | 4 | 72 |
2 | Derry | 36 | 18 | 11 | 7 | 65 |
3 | St Patrick's Athl. | 36 | 19 | 5 | 12 | 62 |
4 | Shels | 36 | 15 | 15 | 6 | 60 |
5 | Dundalk | 36 | 17 | 7 | 12 | 58 |
6 | Bohs | 36 | 16 | 10 | 10 | 58 |
7 | Drogheda | 36 | 10 | 11 | 15 | 41 |
8 | Sligo | 36 | 10 | 7 | 19 | 37 |
9 | Cork | 36 | 8 | 7 | 21 | 31 |
10 | UCD | 36 | 2 | 5 | 29 | 11 |
Top Stories
In Pictures: Shamrock Rovers 2 – 1 TNS
- Paul Dolan
- Thu, Nov 07 2024
Dundalk unveil Ciaran Kilduff as new first-team boss
- Andrew Dempsey
- Wed, Nov 06 2024
Danny Grant departs Bohemians
- Andrew Dempsey
- Wed, Nov 06 2024
Trio exit Sligo Rovers after end of 2025 campaign
- Andrew Dempsey
- Wed, Nov 06 2024
The key moments as Shelbourne defied odds to claim …
- Andrew Dempsey
- Wed, Nov 06 2024
Six players part ways with Cork City ahead of …
- Philip Morrissey
- Tue, Nov 05 2024
League of Ireland clubs handed €43m boost in Large …
- Andrew Dempsey
- Mon, Nov 04 2024
Jamie Lennon turns down US interest to pen long-term …
- Andrew Dempsey
- Sun, Nov 03 2024
League Report: Shamrock Rovers 2 - 1 Waterford
- Patrick O'Connor
- Fri, Nov 01 2024
League Report: Derry City 0 - 1 Shelbourne
- Éanna Mackey
- Fri, Nov 01 2024
League Report: Drogheda Utd 0 - 0 Dundalk FC
- Tom O'Connor
- Fri, Nov 01 2024
League Preview: Derry City -v- Shelbourne
- Andrew Dempsey
- Fri, Nov 01 2024
League Preview: Bohemians -v- Galway United
- Andrew Dempsey
- Fri, Nov 01 2024
League Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- St Patrick’s Athletic
- Andrew Dempsey
- Fri, Nov 01 2024
League Report: Dundalk FC 0 - 2 Derry City
- Extratime Team
- Thu, Oct 31 2024