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Two Chelsea stars advanced to the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup while two saw their respective campaigns come to an end on Friday morning.
In the early hours of Friday morning, Spain became the first nation to secure their spot in the semi-finals with a slim 2-1 victory after extra-time against the Netherlands in Wellington. Aniek Nouwen came off the bench late in the second half but it wasn’t meant to be for the Dutch on this occasion.
Japan and Sweden arrived at the quarter-final stage in Auckland having barely put a foot wrong at the tournament. An efficient 3-1 victory over Norway helped the Japanese through the last 16, while Sweden disposed of reigning champions USA courtesy of a dramatic penalty shoot-out.
After a mesmerising display against the United States last time out, Zecira Musovic was between the sticks for the Swedes while Johanna Rytting Kaneryd started on the right side of an attacking midfield trio. Maika Hamano was among the substitutes for Japan and waiting to make her World Cup debut.
Slick Sweden
It was an even opening quarter-of-an-hour between two sides quietly but impressively going about their business at this World Cup. Sweden were stifling Japan’s attempts to settle into a rhythm and enjoying the lion’s share of possession, but without conjuring a clear sight of goal.
That said, Sweden squandered a glorious opportunity to take the lead on 25 minutes. Stina Blackstenius breached the Japanese backline, taking a through pass in her stride and firing wide of the target with only the goalkeeper to beat, allowing Japan to breathe a huge sigh of relief.
Amanda Ilestedt punished Japan on 32 minutes when failure to clear their lines saw the ball drop kindly for the defender to convert from close-range. The Swedes could have added a second before the break only for the fingertips of Ayaka Yamashita to deny Kosovare Asllani, who let fly from range at the end of a glorious move involving Rytting Kaneryd.
Dramatic finale
Sweden began the second half as they finished the first and doubled their lead from the penalty spot five minutes after the restart. VAR intervened and penalised Fuka Nagano for handball, leaving Filippa Angeldal to send Yamashita the wrong way and put the Swedes on the brink of the semi-finals.
Having fallen two goals behind, Japan needed to raise their level and had the chance to reduce the deficit when they were awarded a penalty with 15 minutes remaining. Riko Ueki faced Musovic and rattled the crossbar with her effort.
Rytting Kaneryd made way on 83 minutes after another strong performance. Honoka Hayashi set up a dramatic finale after scoring for Japan ahead of 10 minutes additional time, in which Hamano made her World Cup debut, but the Swedes held on to win 2-1 and seal their place in the semi-finals.
What’s next?
Sweden will return to Auckland to take on Spain in the semi-finals on Tuesday 15 August, with kick-off scheduled for 9am (UK time). The remaining semi-finalists will be decided on Saturday where our Blues from England, Australia and France are all involved.
Our World Cup stars will return to domestic action when the Women’s Super League season begins in October. Click here to view our ticket bundles and find out how to secure your seats for 2023/24!
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