Sweden joined Spain as the second team to go into the semi-finals after knocking out Japan who had an impressive run in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Scoring 14 goals and conceding only 1.
Japan was seen as a title contender after gliding through the group stage and defeating Norway in the last 16. Despite a robust ending, hopes of reaching a third World Cup final in their most recent four attempts were extinguished by a remarkable Sweden hungry for the trophy.
New Arsenal defender Amanda Ilestedt scored her fourth goal of the tournament striking from the edge of the six-yard box in the 32nd minute, after Japan failed to clear the ball.
Sweden was awarded a penalty after the video assistant referee (VAR) spotted a handball by Japan’s Liverpool midfielder Fuka Nagano.
Manchester City midfielder Filippa Angeldahl did not feel like delivering as she put the ball in the back of the net.
Japan only came alive in the closing stages and, even after Hayashi scored, Sweden saw the game to the end.
Despite the loss, Japan boss Futoshi Ikeda focused on positives after the match. He said:
“I saw my players grow at this World Cup,” he said. “The younger players have to use this experience and take it into the Olympics and other tournaments. Going forward we have to grow from this.”
