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 sold-out crowd at Eden Park, where Sweden will play in the semifinals on Tuesday against Spain, danced to songs by Swedish rock band Abba as it was played throughout the stadium after the win.
Japan had been so prolific with 14 goals in rolling to a 4-0 tournament record, but Japan struggled for most of the game to keep up with the taller Swedish team. When Sweden went up 2-0 late in the second, Japan seemed out of the tournament. Saki Kumagai, playing in her fourth World Cup and Japan's captain, was in tears with the rest of her teammates following the loss.
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. The victory came by just millimeters, when goal-line technology showed that Lina Hurtig's attempt crossed the line before it could be saved by American goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.earned a place in the quarterfinals with a 3-1 victory over Norway.
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