Sweden stakes a claim at Women’s World Cup favorite by stopping Japan 2-1 in quarterfinals
Sweden first knocked off the United States and then bounced Japan to snag a spot in the semifinals of the Women’s World Cup.
The Swedes, the World Cup runners-up in 2003 and three-time third-place finishers, eliminated previously unbeaten Japan 2-1 in Friday’s quarterfinal. With Japan out of the lineup, this year’s World Cup will crown a first-time winner.
Amanda Ilestedt scored a first-half goal and Filippa Angeldal converted a second-half penalty to give Sweden the mild upset and send the Swedes to the semifinals for the fifth time. Japan had been so prolific with 14 goals in rolling to a 4-0 record but seemed out of it with Sweden up 2-0 late in the second.
Japan finally made a late comeback and seriously pressured Sweden goalkeeper Zecira Musovic, who is fresh off a World Cup record 11 saves in the win over the United States.
Riko Ueki’s penalty attempt for Japan in the 76th minute hit the crossbar and bounced clear of the goal but Musovic was finally beaten in the 86th minute when substitute Honoka Hayashi cut Sweden’s lead to 2-1.
That was all the Japanese mustered as Sweden advanced to play Spain in the semifinals Tuesday at Eden Park in Auckland. Spain beat the Netherlands 2-1 in extra time earlier Friday. Japan had beaten Spain 4-0 in group play.
Japan’s exit means there will be a first-time winner at this World Cup. Japan won in 2011, and previous winners Germany, Norway and the United States were all eliminated earlier in the tournament.
Ilestedt broke through for Sweden in the 32nd minute off a free kick that ricocheted among the players in front of the goal before landing at her feet for the goal. It was the defender’s fourth of the World Cup.
Angeldal added the penalty kick in the 51st minute after Fuka
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