Sweden Unleashes Stunning Victory to Secure Semifinal Spot at Women's World Cup
Sweden defeat Japan 2-1 in an intense Women's World Cup quarter-final Goals from Ilestedt and Angeldahl secure their spot in the semi-finals against Spain Hayashi's late goal for Japan was not enough to overcome Sweden's resilience Exciting times ahead!
Sweden will go head-to-head with Spain in the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup, having successfully held off a determined Japanese team with a narrow 2-1 victory. Amanda Ilestedt kick-started the scoring in the 31st minute, as she skillfully seized the opportunity amidst a chaotic tussle in front of the goal and expertly struck the ball into the net from a short distance.
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Open Privacy Options: Japan's attempt to stabilize the game was thwarted when Fuka Nagano unintentionally handled the ball inside the box just four minutes into the second half. Consequently, Filippa Angeldahl capitalized on the penalty opportunity and converted.
With a two-goal advantage and a comfortable lead, Peter Gerhardsson's team appeared to be in command. However, a sudden surge from their opponents in the final 15 minutes made for an anxious ending. To begin, Riko Ueki presented an opportunity for her team by succumbing to pressure in the penalty area. Yet, the Tokyo Verdy Beleza striker's shot hit the crossbar, adding to the tension.
How Sweden beat Japan
The Blagult made a blistering start, leaving Japan, who had previously received accolades for their tactical prowess, appearing unsettled.During the adjustment period, Peter Gerhardsson's team failed to take advantage of Japan's vulnerable defense. Although Kosovare Asllani managed to win a few free-kicks and Fridolina Rolfo appeared energetic, Stina Blackstenius was effectively marked and had limited opportunities to receive the ball.
Futoshi Ikeda had a clear game plan in mind: allow Sweden to exert their energy and enthusiasm on the ball, and then seize the opportunity to counterattack when they displayed signs of exhaustion.
However, the game did not unfold according to plan. The Japanese team, who had been a source of astonishment throughout the tournament, were now experiencing their own dose of adversity.
The action started in the 25th minute when Blackstenius outperformed Saki Kumagai, but the Arsenal striker missed the target with her volley. Japan retaliated promptly with an intense opportunity of their own. Risa Shimizu sprinted down the left side and sent in an enticing cross. Hinata Miyazawa, the intended recipient, arrived at the back post but was unable to find a teammate with her attempted shot.
She would be punished for her lack of clinical finishing as Sweden took the lead moments later and forced Japan to go behind for the first time this summer.
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A cross into the box resulted in defensive chaos for the Japanese defense. Eriksson swiftly returned the ball into the mix, and her trusted defensive partner Ilestedt fired in a close-range shot.
Right before the end of the first half, it almost became two goals when goalkeeper Yoshimi Yamashita skillfully deflected Asllani's shot onto the post.
The outcome was not in favor of the Nadeshiko as something had to change on the other side of half-time. Regrettably, just four minutes into the second half, Nagano unintentionally made contact with the ball using her arm inside the penalty area. Following a swift review using the monitor, the referee indicated a penalty kick.
Angeldahl confidently placed the ball beyond the goalkeeper's reach, increasing the score to 2-0.
The Swedish team was smoothly advancing to the semi-finals without allowing any goals for more than seven hours. It was hard to believe that they had just completed a 120-minute match against the United States.
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Japan's Risa Shimizu fights off Sweden's Stina Blackstenius for a shot at goal
But this is a World Cup of many twists and turns, and the game was a perfect microcosm.
Japan appeared to be in a dire situation, but they suddenly regained their determination and capitalized on it.
Zecira Musovic was brought into play for the first time as Aoba Fujino's cross forced her to swiftly move across the goal and avert the potential threat posed by the ball.
Chelsea's goalkeeper faced an even greater challenge as Ueki succumbed to pressure in the penalty area. Taking charge, she courageously stepped forward to execute the ensuing penalty. However, her shot was unsteady, causing the ball to rattle before Sweden cunningly redirected it into the crowd.
Ueki's embarrassment was quickly relieved as Hayashi swiftly seized a loose ball within the Swedish box to regain a goal. However, Japan had left themselves with a daunting task. Now, Spain, who may have dreaded another encounter with the team that scored four goals against them in the group stages, must brace themselves for an entirely new challenge.
What's next?
Sweden and Spain will face each other in the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup. The highly anticipated match is scheduled for Tuesday, August 15 at 9am.What is the schedule?
Following the conclusion of the round of 16, we now move on to the quarter-finals. These thrilling matches will take place in Wellington, Auckland, Brisbane, and Sydney between August 11 and 12.The first semi-final is scheduled for August 15 in Auckland, while the other semi-final will take place on August 16 at Accor Stadium in Sydney. The final will be held at the same venue on August 20. A third-place play-off will be played on August 19 in Brisbane, a day before the final.
