In an intense clash on Friday, Sweden secured their spot in the semifinals of the 2023 Women’s World Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Japan.
Sweden’s resolute performance paved the way for a compelling semifinal showdown against Spain, scheduled for Tuesday.
A pivotal moment arrived in the 32nd minute when defender Amanda Ilestedt netted her fourth goal of the tournament, granting Sweden the lead. The momentum continued as Filippa Angeldal confidently converted a penalty just after halftime, extending Sweden’s advantage.
Despite Japan’s relentless efforts, their spirit was not enough to alter the course of the match. Riko Ueki’s missed penalty in the 76th minute and Honoka Hayashi’s subsequent goal 11 minutes later proved insufficient, as Sweden demonstrated unwavering composure during the nail-biting stoppage-time moments to secure their progression.
Expressing his elation, Sweden’s coach Peter Gerhardsson shared his thoughts with Swedish radio, stating, “It’s a truly wonderful feeling. The match encompassed a blend of emotions and showcased our finest performance in the tournament. The contest grew incredibly thrilling, given that Japan stands as one of the tournament’s formidable teams.”