On Friday at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, Sweden stunned Japan 2-1 to advance to the semifinals of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023. Amanda Ilestedt scored for Sweden in the 32nd minute to put her team ahead. Just after the half, Filippa Angeldal scored again, this time from the penalty spot. Japan fought back, however despite Riko Ueki's penalty miss in the 76th minute and Honoka Hayashi's goal 11 minutes later, Japan was ultimately unsuccessful in mounting a comeback.

Sweden Strike Early and often

Sweden showed no signs of intimidation as they took control of the game from the start. They pressed high and disrupted Japan’s passing game, creating several chances in the opening minutes. Till the 30th minute, Sweden in a surprising turn of event dominated the match with a ball possession of 61% to 39%. At the 32nd minute, Sweden broke the deadlock after reacting first to a loose ball and putting it away with the right foot. Japan kept on the fight to equalize until the end of the first half.

Japan Fight Back but Fall Short

Sweden managed to be awarded a penalty at the 51st minute, after Mina Tanaka from Japan intercepts a cross aimed towards the box. The VAR confirmed that there was a foul. Swedish Filippa Angeldal puts the ball away from the penalty spot with the right foot, sending Japanese goalkeeper, Ayaka Yamashita the wrong side. Japan got lucky with a penalty at the 74th minute after Madelen Janogy from Sweden trips Japanese Riko Ueki. However, Riko wasted the opportunity to equalize as she hits the crossbar after taking the penalty shot. Luck shines on Japan again at the 87th minute, as Honda Hayashi scores from an easy position. However, Honoka Hayashi's goal was not enough to mount a comeback. Sweden held on to secure their place in the semifinals. [caption id="attachment_7791" align="aligncenter" width="370"] Japan's exit must have been challenging. | Credit: Olympics.com[/caption]

Sweden's Journey

Sweden has reached the semifinals of the FIFA Women's World Cup for the fifth time, making them one of the most consistent teams in the tournament. After taking home the title at the first-ever European Championships in 1984, the country has since placed second at the World Cup in 2003, the Olympics in 2016, and the World Cup again in 2020. With talented players like Hedvig Lindahl and Nilla Fischer, Sweden has been doing well in the competition. They also have a prolific scorer in Amanda Ilestedt, who has four goals from set-pieces and is tied with Australia’s Sam Kerr for the adidas Golden Boot award. [caption id="attachment_7794" align="aligncenter" width="289"] Sweden defender Amanda Ilestedt scores her FOURTH goal of the tournament for the lead against Japan. | Credit: Getty Images[/caption] In the group stage, Sweden won all three of their matches, scoring eight goals and conceding only one. In the round of 16, Sweden faced the defending champions USA in a thrilling encounter. The match ended 0-0 after 120 minutes of intense action, and Sweden prevailed 5-4 on penalties, Sweden has shown great teamwork, resilience, and determination throughout the tournament, and they will be a tough opponent for any team. They have also attracted many fans with their attractive and attacking style of play.

Japan's Performance

The Japanese team had been one of the tournament's best, eliminating their opponents. Before this, they had won every game by at least two goals, for a total of 14 victories by at least three goals. The team captained by Futoshi Ikeda plays with enthusiasm and guile, and they are tactically flexible and technically proficient across the board. They advanced past the Round of 16, beating Norway in the process, but their run ended in the semi-finals against Sweden. [caption id="attachment_7790" align="aligncenter" width="586"] Japan bow to their fans after their FIFA World Cup exit. | Credit: B/R Football. | Source: Twitter[/caption]

The Semifinals

With their victory over Japan, Sweden advances to play Spain in the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 semifinals. In the other semi-final, Brazil will play the Netherlands. At the same venue, Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, the semifinals will take place on August 15, 2023. With only four teams remaining and two spots in the final game at stake, the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 is reaching its peak. Who will break new ground and win the prized trophy?