Women's World Cup: Sweden progress to last four

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Japan 1 - 2 Sweden

Another dramatic Women's World Cup encounter

Sweden delivered an outstanding performance to secure a spot in the semi-finals against Spain, shattering Japan's hopes for success in the Women's World Cup.

Japan were considered title contenders after advancing from the group stage and defeating Norway in the last 16.

Women's World Cup: Sweden shock USA (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)

In this match, Manchester City midfielder Filippa Angeldahl scored a penalty to double Sweden's lead.

Japan were then awarded a controversial spot-kick. Riko Ueki's 76th-minute attempt hit the bar, before West Ham's Honoka Hayashi pulled a goal back in the 87th minute.

That lifeline came moments after Aoba Fujino hit the woodwork from a free-kick, but Sweden saw the game out to make it into the last four.

Arsenal defender Ilestedt has emerged as one of the players of the tournament, and she now has four goals.

Sweden impress again

In their opening game, Sweden defeated South Africa with a last-minute goal, and they defeated the United States on penalties in the first knockout round after trailing 3-2 on penalties.

The team has shown hunger and desire to reach back-to-back World Cup semi-finals, and they will fancy their chances against Spain next Tuesday.

Following their elimination of the USA, Peter Gerhardsson's players successfully stifled a Japan side that had scored goals for fun throughout the competition. 

Japan bow out after what proved to be one step too far

Throughout the tournament, Japan has demonstrated the ability to counterattack and cut through opposition defenses quickly. Yet this was one step too far. 

With their first attempt on goal in the 63rd minute, they looked like a pale imitation of the side that had reached the quarter-finals with style.

Despite a strong finish, Sweden's impressive performance extinguished hopes of reaching their third World Cup final in four attempts.

Japan have been great entertainers at this tournament and many of their players were inconsolable at the full-time whistle. They looked impressive at times and could prove to be a huge threat in the next Women's World Cup.

You can watch highlights in the video below. 

Footage here: HIGHLIGHTS | Japan v Sweden | 2023 Women's World Cup - YouTube

What are people saying?

Amy watched the match on TV, she said: "Congratulations to Sweden on their advancement – it's great to witness their progress. To Japan, though, you would have to say that your football illuminated this World Cup at times."

Faye also watched the match, she added: "You would have to say that the teams are so much closer now in terms of the ability."

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