Five days after shocking the United States, Sweden wins 2-1 to turn back hard-charging Japan and set up a Final Four match with Spain
AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Sweden first knocked off the United States and then bounced Japan to snag a spot in the semifinals of the Women’s World Cup.
Amanda Ilestedt scored a first-half goal and Filippa Angeldal converted a second-half penalty to give Sweden the mild upset and send the Swedes to the semifinals for the fifth time. But the Japanese finally made a late comeback and seriously pressured Sweden goalkeeper Zecira Musovic, who was fresh off a World Cup-record 11 saves in the win over the United States.
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.Angeldal added the penalty kick in the 51st minute after Fuka Nagano’s handball in the box was confirmed by video review.
Sweden was riding high after eliminating the two-time defending champion Americans on penalties following a scoreless draw on Sunday. 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.
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