FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Sweden qualify for semi-finals with 2-1 win over Japan
There will be a new name on the trophy after the 2011 world champions were eliminated in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 semi final in Auckland, New Zealand.
Football
Sweden booked their place in the semi-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 with a 2-1 win over 2011 world champions Japan on Friday (11 August).
Japan were the last remaining side to have previously won the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which now means that we will have a completely new world champion in 2023.
Amanda Ilestedt opened the scoring in the 32nd minute of the quarter-final in Auckland to further strengthen her Golden Boot campaign. The 30-year-old has now secured four goals and one assist this tournament, putting her in third place for the top scorer award behind France’s Kadidiatou Diani and Japan’s Hinata Miyazawa.
Shortly after the break, Sweden were given the chance to double their lead.
After a Japanese defensive mix-up, Sweden were awarded a penalty for handball, and it was Manchester City midfielder Filippa Angeldal who stepped up and converted from the spot.
Japan were then given a similar opportunity in the 76th minute with a penalty of their own as Riko Ueki went down in the box.
The Japanese number 9 picked herself up to take the spot kick, but blasted the shot onto the bar and the Japanese couldn't force the rebound chances over the line.
In the dying minutes of the game, however, Japan got onto the scoresheet. Substitute Honoka Hayashi fired her shot home to make it 2-1.
With 10 minutes of added time, it suddenly seemed possible that Japan could salvage something, but despite Sweden’s sudden shakiness, they managed to hold on to secure a spot in the FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-finals.
The Swedes will now go on to face Spain in Auckland on Tuesday (15 August) for a place in the final.
More to follow.