On Friday, Sweden defeated Japan 2-1 to go to the semifinals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Throughout the whole game, both sides had opportunities to score. In the 25th minute, Fridolina Rolfö, who completed a well-executed team play, gave Sweden the lead. Yui Hasegawa of Japan brought Japan and Sweden to a tie in the 50th minute, but Stina Blackstenius of Sweden gave Sweden the advantage once again in the 68th.
In order to go to the semifinals, Sweden needed to hold on for the victory. There, they would take on the winner of the contest between France and the Netherlands.
Here are the highlights of the match:
- Rolfö gives Sweden the lead. Sweden grabbed the lead with Fridolina Rolfö in the 25th minute. Kosovare Asllani set Rolfö up for a goal, and she slid the ball past Ayaka Yamashita, the Japanese custodian.
- Hasegawa equalizes for Japan. Yui Hasegawa of Japan equalised in the 50th minute. Mana Iwabuchi set Hasegawa up for a goal, and she took advantage of the opportunity to beat Hedvig Lindahl of Sweden.
- Blackstenius scores the winner for Sweden. The advantage was reclaimed by Sweden by Stina Blackstenius in the 68th minute. Asllani put Blackstenius through on goal, and for her second goal of the competition, she shot the ball past Yamashita.
Sweden earned their victory since they were the superior squad that day. They will be sure that they can make it to the World Cup final and win it for the first time.
Japan may be pleased of their effort even if they will be dissatisfied with the outcome. They have been among the tournament’s most reliable sides, and they will pose a challenge to any club in the final rounds.
The Women’s World Cup’s subsequent game pits France against the Netherlands on Saturday. Sweden will be the opponent for the winner of that game in the semifinals.
