Japan women’s soccer fell just short of the quarterfinals at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia-New Zealand 2023.
Japan failed to reach the last four after losing 1-2 to Sweden in the quarterfinals of the tournament at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, at 4:30 p.m. ET on Nov. 11.
Japan’s furious start to the tournament, which saw them win all three of their group games and ride a four-game winning streak into the round of 16 against Norway, was no match for the Swedes.
It was Japan’s first World Cup quarterfinal appearance in eight years after finishing runners-up in Canada 2015. A pair of missed penalty kicks proved to be a major disappointment.
Sweden’s momentum was evident in the round of 16, where they defeated the United States on penalties to become the first team to win three consecutive Women’s World Cup titles.
Sweden once again showed that they are a European powerhouse, reaching the quarterfinals for the second straight tournament after finishing third in France in 2019. This is the fifth quarterfinal in their history without a win.
Sweden will play Spain, who defeated the Netherlands 2-1 in extra time, at the same venue on May 15.
In the early stages of the match, Japan tried to dominate possession with their signature passing play, but struggled against Sweden’s pressure and strength.
It didn’t take long for Sweden to take control. Midway through the first half, Sweden broke the tense balance.
In the 32nd minute, Amanda Ilestedt found the back of the Japan net with a quick right-footed shot that split the Japanese defense. Concentration shone through.
After hitting the Japanese post on one occasion in the final minute of the first half, Sweden broke through early in the second.
Four minutes into the second half, a handball foul on Fuka Nagano earned them a penalty kick. The referee awarded the penalty after a video assistant referee (VAR) review. Philippa Angeldahl stepped up to take the spot kick and calmly converted to the left side of the Japanese goal in the sixth minute.
Japan came out firing midway through the second half.
They were awarded a penalty kick in the 29th minute for a foul on an opponent, but Riko Ueki was unlucky to hit the crossbar. Honoka Hayashi pulled one back in the 43rd minute, but the equalizer was not to be.
The Swedes celebrated, while the Japanese shed tears of disappointment. 안전카지노사이트