Amanda Ilestedt and Filippa Angeldal scored in each half as Sweden edged Japan 2-1 to advance to FIFA Women's World Cup semifinals here on Friday.
The elimination of the 2011 World Cup champions means that all previous title winners were out of the tournament and there is bound to be a new name on the trophy this year.
Sweden had a total control of the first half with 54 percent of ball possession and eight goal attempts, while the Japanese side, who had the tournament's best 14-goal scoring tally, failed to record a single shot.
The Northern European team tore apart Japan's defence through set piece in the 31st minute, when Ilestedt slotted home from close range, after a lofted cross caused a string of deflections in the penalty area.
The center back now has four goals and is in a shot of winning the Golden Boot of the tournament, with only one goal behind Japan's Hinata Miyazawa.
In the 42nd minute, Swedish captain Kosovare Asllani was close to doubling the lead, but her powerful volley shot on the edge of the box was tipped onto the post by Japanese goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita.
Just six minutes into the second half, another Sweden set piece led to a penalty converted by Angeldal following Nagano Fuka's handball foul in the box.
Trailing 2-0 behind, Japan then geared up on attacking and had been dominant in the final period of the match. In the 76th minute, substitute Riko Ueki won a penalty for the Nadeshiko, but she slotted the ball wide off the crossbar.
Japan's relentless efforts finally paid off in the 87th minute as Honoka Hayashi cut into the penalty area to score her first international goal, just seconds after Aoba Fujino's free kick rattled the woodwork. However, it was too late for Japan to find the equalizer.
Sweden is set to play against Spain in the semi-final next Tuesday. ■
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