2011 winners, Japan face Sweden in a blockbuster Quarter-Final at 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
As the last former champion still standing, Japan are looking to reach the semi-finals for only the third time in their history.
Sweden know that victory would see them reach the semi-finals of a Women’s World Cup for the fifth time in their history, as well as a fourth consecutive semi-final in all major competitions – having reached the last four at 2019 Women’s World Cup, 2020 Olympics and UEFA Women’s Euro 2022.
Team News
Japan have no fresh injury or suspension concerns to report after their Round of 16 win over Norway, with no players having picked up a single booking at the tournament.
Sweden also have no fresh injury concerns to report after eliminating reigning champions, USA on penalties in the Round of 16.
Olivia Schough and Kosovare Asllani are one booking away from missing the semi-finals, should Sweden advance beyond this stage.
When is Kick-Off?
Japan face Sweden at Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand on Friday 11 August at 8:30am UK Time, live on BBC One in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Japan have won just one of three previous Women’s World Cup meetings against Sweden (W1, L2), which came in a 3-1 win in the semi-finals en-route to their 2011 title.
- Sweden have scored 11 goals and conceded just three goals across their three previous Women’s World Cup meetings against Japan.
- Just one of Japan’s three previous meetings against Sweden at Women’s World Cup came in the Knockout Stages.
- Coming into the Quarter-Finals, no player has scored more goals at this tournament than Japan’s Hinata Miyazawa (5).
- Sweden have kept clean sheets in their last three matches (W2, D1).
Prediction
Compared to start of the tournament when Japan were under the radar as contenders, it is to their credit that Japan are now seriously talked about as title contenders with their powerful counter-attacking ability and game management skills which none of their opposition has stopped yet.
Sweden though produced an uncharacteristic lacklustre attacking effort against USA but a resilient defence and luck of penalties got them through, yet they must improve their attacking intent because they will certainly need to attack more against this technical Japanese team.
Now if Sweden do step up then I think we could well see a tough physical contest which could well go the difstance into extra-time, although they will have to be wary of Japan’s counter-attacking pace which might well prove the difference if can’t ride their luck once more.
Prediction: Japan 2-1 (AET) Sweden
Leave a Reply