2023 Women’s World Cup: Last-8: Japan vs Sweden – Match preview, live stream, kick-off time, prediction, team news, lineups
Japan will face Sweden for a place in the semi-finals of the 2023 Women’s World Cup when they meet at Eden Park on Friday.
Japan have had a great start to their world cup campaign, whilst Sweden eliminated the defending champions USA in the Round of 16.
- World Cup: What is the Round of 8? Fixtures, TV schedule
- Match 58: Japan vs Sweden (08:30) – BBC One
Match Preview
It’ll be another tight match here, we don’t expect either side to be scoring 5+ goals and expect the game will be within a goal of each other.
Japan have by far been the best team so far, but Sweden won’t be fearful – after knocking out the USA.
Japan preview
Twelve years following their victory in the Women’s World Cup, Japan finds themselves in strong contention for winning the 2023 edition.
They effortlessly overcame Zambia and Costa Rica in their initial two matches, and then asserted their dominance with an impressive 4-0 triumph against Spain in the concluding group-stage encounter.
Japan’s resolute defence was finally breached during the Round of 16 clash with Norway, as Guro Reiten from Chelsea nullified Vilde Boe Risa’s unintentional own goal.
Although the teams were on par at halftime, Risa Shimizu rapidly restored Japan’s advantage after the break, followed by Hinata Miyazawa’s goal, sealing a decisive 3-1 victory.
With their place secured among the top eight teams, Japan is now set on progressing to the Women’s World Cup semi-finals for the third time in their history.
Sweden preview
In the Round of 16, Sweden overcame the reigning champions by holding strong against relentless pressure from the USA, leading the goalless contest into a penalty shootout.
While Sweden faltered in converting two of their penalty kicks, three missed attempts from the USA opened the door for Lina Hurtig to seize the opportunity and secure a thrilling shootout victory.
By putting an end to the USA’s quest for a third consecutive Women’s World Cup title, Sweden now shifts their focus to their own ambition of claiming the championship for the first time in their history.
Their journey to the semi-finals marks the fourth instance, one of which occurred in France four years ago, where they triumphed over Germany with a 2-1 victory, securing their place among the last four teams.
Team News
After making light work of their last-16 tie with Norway, Japan boss Futoshi Ikeda is expected to name an unchanged lineup.
Hana Takahashi will start a third consecutive game, and she will be joined in a back three by Saki Kumagai and Moeka Minami.
Miyazawa is currently the tournament’s top scorer, and she will be looking to add to her four-goal tally when she features up front on Friday.
As for Sweden, Peter Gerhardsson could also opt for consistency and select the same side that started against the USA.
Arsenal summer signing Amanda Ilestedt will continue to operate in central defence alongside Magdalena Eriksson, and they will be aiming to record a fourth consecutive clean sheet.
Having scored three goals at the tournament, Barcelona’s Fridolina Rolfo will offer one of Sweden’s main goal threats.
Japan possible starting lineup:
Yamashita; Takahashi, Kumagai, Minami; Shimizu, Hasegawa, Nagano, Endo; Miyazawa, Fujino, Tanaka
Sweden possible starting lineup:
Musovic; Bjorn, Ilestedt, Eriksson, Andersson; Angeldahl, Rubensson; Rytting Kaneryd, Asllani, Rolfo; Blackstenius
WTX Sports predicts Japan 1-2 Sweden
