Sweden defeated former champions Japan 2-1 to progress into the semi-finals of the 2023 FIFA women’s World Cup on Friday.
Japan’s defeat to Sweden means there will be a new women’s World Cup winner.
Amanda Ilestedt gave Sweden the lead in the 32nd minute off a goal mouth scrabble after Japan failed to clear their line.
In the 51st minute Sweden went 2-0 up as Filippa Angeldal converted from the penalty spot.
Japan got a penalty of their own on 76 minutes but Riko Ueki hit her effort against the cross bar.
With three minutes left Honoka Hayashi pulled a goal back for Japan which proved to be a consolation strike as Sweden held on to reach a fifth semi-finals at the World Cup.
In the first quarter-finals played on Friday, Spain edged the Netherlands 2-1.
The two remaining quarter-finals, which will be played on Saturday, will see hosts Australia take on France and England will battle Colombia.
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A lot of betting folks likely lost money on this one.
The high press of the Swedes did not allow Japan to play out of their half, which is something Japan excel at doing. That was key to keeping Japan at bay.
That said, Japan hit the post twice. A 76th minute penalty kick, and a freekick 10 mins later. If the ball had traveled an inch or two lower on both occasions, Japan might have forced extra time. But the post refused to be their friend, so the Nadeshiko are heading home.