Japan vs Sweden Women’s World Cup 2023: Sweden Edges Japan 2-1 to Reach Semifinals

Japan vs Sweden Women’s World Cup 2023: Sweden Edges Japan 2-1 to Reach Semifinals:

Sweden advanced to the semifinals of the 2023 Women’s World Cup after defeating Japan 2-1 in a thrilling quarterfinal match on Tuesday. The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating chances. However, it was Sweden who came out on top, thanks to goals from Stina Blackstenius and Kosovare Asllani.

Japan vs Sweden Women’s World Cup 2023: Japan 

Japan started the match on the front foot, and they had the first chance of the game when Mana Iwabuchi fired wide from close range. However, Sweden soon settled into the match and began to create chances of their own. In the 20th minute, Blackstenius gave Sweden the lead with a powerful header from a corner kick.

Japan vs Sweden Women’s World Cup 2023: Sweden

Japan responded well to going behind, and they equalized in the 35th minute through Yui Hasegawa. The goal was a bit of a fluke, as Hasegawa’s shot took a deflection off a Swedish defender and wrong-footed goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl.

Japan vs Sweden Women’s World Cup 2023: The Second Half

The second half was just as entertaining as the first, with both teams creating chances. In the 65th minute, Sweden took the lead again through Asllani. The goal was a brilliant individual effort, as Asllani dribbled past two Japanese defenders before firing past goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita.

Japan vs Sweden Women’s World Cup 2023: Japan Pushed for an Equalizer

Japan pushed for an equalizer in the final 20 minutes, but they were unable to find a way past the Swedish defense. The match ended 2-1, and Sweden advanced to the semifinals of the World Cup.

Japan vs Sweden Women’s World Cup 2023: Key Players

There were a number of key players for both teams in the match. For Sweden, Blackstenius and Asllani were both excellent, scoring the goals that helped their team to victory. Kosovare Asllani was also impressive in midfield, creating chances for her teammates.

For Japan, Mana Iwabuchi was a bright spark in attack, and she had a number of chances to score. Saki Kumagai was also solid in defense, and she helped to keep Sweden at bay for much of the match.

Japan vs Sweden Women’s World Cup 2023: The Outcome

The outcome of the match was a surprise to many, as Japan were the defending champions. However, Sweden were the better team on the day, and they deserved their victory. Sweden will now face the winner of the match between France and the Netherlands in the semifinals.

Japan vs Sweden Women’s World Cup 2023: Conclusion

The Japan vs. Sweden match was a thrilling encounter, and it was a fitting quarterfinal match for the World Cup. Sweden were the better team on the day, and they deserved their victory. They will now be looking to reach their first World Cup final since 2003.

Visit For more updates on Women’s World Cup 2023: USA Sports