The Women’s World Cup has been a surprising and transformative tournament, defying expectations and shaking up the traditional order. None of the former champions, including the United States and Germany, are still in the tournament at this stage. Even Japan, the 2011 winner, has been eliminated in the quarterfinals by Sweden. While Sweden has never won a major tournament, it has consistently participated in all nine Women’s World Cups, finishing as runners-up in 2003 and earning third place three times.
Sweden’s victory over Japan sets up a semifinal match against Spain. Sweden stifled Japan’s versatile attack in the first half and then fought to defend its lead in the second half. Scoring two goals indirectly from set pieces, Sweden appeared to have a comfortable advantage. However, Japan, desperate and energized, launched a fierce but ultimately fruitless comeback.
Japan, which had scored 14 goals in its previous four matches, failed to register a single shot in the first half. However, they created numerous chances in the second half and will regret missing a penalty kick in the 75th minute. Japan’s captain, Saki Kumagai, expressed disappointment at their exit but acknowledged their strong desire to progress further in the tournament.
The results of Sweden’s victory, Spain’s first-ever semifinal appearance, and Japan’s elimination are in line with the ethos of this World Cup. This tournament has seen the largest-ever field of teams, record attendance, and the rise of ambitious teams like Colombia, Jamaica, Nigeria, South Africa, and Morocco. FIFA can now confidently assert that the Women’s World Cup offers a global event with expansive possibilities, rather than being limited to specific regions or entrenched powers. On the other side of the draw, Australia will face France, while England, the reigning European champion, will play against Colombia.
In their match against Japan, Sweden applied high pressure in the first half to stifle their opponents. When in possession of the ball, Sweden showcased patience, preferring short passes to maintain control and utilizing long balls to take advantage of their height and aerial skills.
In the 32nd minute, Sweden displayed their set-piece prowess by scoring a scrappy goal. They have now scored six of their 11 tournament goals directly or indirectly from set pieces, with four of them coming from corner kicks. The goal resulted from midfielder Kosovare Asllani’s free kick causing chaos in the penalty area, and defender Magdalena Eriksson persistently kept the ball alive until her fellow center back, Amanda Ilestedt, ultimately found the back of the net.
Prior to the goal, Sweden had already set a physical tone against Japan’s smaller and younger players. Sweden’s substitute Sofia Jakobsson, who plays for the San Diego Wave in the National Women’s Soccer League, noted that they were a more physically imposing team than Japan and were able to win more physical challenges.
At the start of the second half, Japan’s goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita came close to conceding as Sweden launched an early attack. Fuka Nagano handled the ball during an ensuing corner kick, leading to a penalty after video review. Filippa Angeldal converted the penalty kick, extending Sweden’s lead to 2-0. However, Japan mounted a spirited comeback in the second half, energized by substitute Jun Endo. Sweden had anticipated this response, with Eriksson predicting that Japan could pose a threat from anywhere on the field.
In the 75th minute, Japan was awarded a penalty kick when Sweden’s Madelen Janogy clipped the heel of forward Riko Ueki. However, Ueki’s shot hit the crossbar, and her subsequent header sailed over the goal. Sweden’s left back, Jonna Andersson, was asked if her team had been fortunate in the knockout rounds, considering they had won a penalty shootout against the United States. Andersson suggested that it was the quality of their goalkeeper, Zecira Musovic, rather than luck, that made the difference, especially on Ueki’s penalty attempt.
In the 87th minute, Japan finally found the net as Honoka Hayashi scored on the rebound after a failed clearance by Sweden. However, despite nearly 10 minutes of added time, Japan could not find an equalizer. Their journey came to an end, leaving the door wide open for a first-time Women’s World Cup champion.
Andersson expressed confidence in Sweden’s ability to go all the way in the tournament, highlighting that they are now one step closer to achieving that goal.
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