Sweden reach the semi-finals of the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup after defeating Japan 2-1 at Eden Park on Friday.
A goal in each half courtesy of Amanda Ilestedt in the 32nd minute and Filippa Angeldahlin in the 51st minute ensured Sweden booked their place in the last four where they will come up against Spain. Though Japan pulled a goal back in the 87th-minute courtesy of Honoka Hayashi, Sweden held on to snatch the semis slot.
It was Sweden, who started the game on a high note and they missed an open chance with 10 minutes played when Ilestedt shot over the bar with only keeper Ayaka Yamashita to beat.
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Sweden’s got another chance in the 24th minute when Stina Blackstenius side stepped past two defenders, but her final effort using the left foot whizzed over the bar. However, with 13 minutes left to the half-time break, Sweden took a deserved lead when Ilestedt fastened onto a cross from Blackstenius to score from close range.
On resumption, it was all Spain once again as Japan never looked dangerous and they doubled their lead when Angeldahlin hit the back of the net off a cross from Kosovare Asllani. Japan improved their game in the last 10 minutes, and they reduced the deficit with three minutes left to the final whistle when Hayashi fired home past the advancing Zecira Musovic.
Sweden will face Spain, who reached their first-ever semi-finals following a 2-1 victory against the Netherlands also on Friday.