Japan (ranked 11th in FIFA) has been eliminated in the quarterfinals by Sweden (ranked 3rd in FIFA).
Japan fell 1-2 to Sweden in the quarterfinals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia-New Zealand 2023 at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, on Monday (June 11).
After going through the tournament’s group stage (three games) without conceding a goal in 11 matches, Japan continued their quest for a first title in 12 years with a 3-1 victory over powerhouse Norway in the Round of 16, but were stopped by Sweden on Sunday.
Sweden opened the scoring in the 32nd minute when Amanda Ilestedt took advantage of a miscommunication on a free kick. Japan failed to get a shot off while Sweden had 54% ball possession and eight shots on goal.
Sweden made it 2-0 six minutes into the second half on a penalty kick.
Japan missed a penalty kick in the 31st minute of the second half that cost them a chance to catch up. In the 42nd minute, Aoba Fujino’s free kick hit the post. Hayashi Honoka pulled one back for Japan, but they were left to shake their heads as two shots on goal in stoppage time failed to find the back of the net.
Sweden will face Spain at 5 p.m. on Friday for a 토토 spot in the final. Spain defeated the Netherlands 2-1 in extra time in their earlier quarterfinal match.