Women's World Cup: Spain and Sweden each book their place in the semi-finals
- Spain defeated the Netherlands with extra-time winner
- Sweden dominated against Japan to seal their spot in the last four
- England face Colombia and Australia take on France for the final spot
By Emily Keogh
32 teams started the 2023 Women's World Cup campaign and the first two sealed their place in the semi-finals in Friday's games.
Sweden had already sent the United States packing, denying the reigning back-to-back champions a chance at a third consecutive title. Japan, meanwhile, had beaten Norway 3-1 to qualify for the quarters, setting up a tense battle between arguably the two most in-form sides
Spain took on the Netherlands in an all-European battle. The Spanish have been drogged controversy since last year and are still missing some of their best players over unresolved disputes, while Netherlands have been getting back on track a poor Euro 2022.
Japan 1 - 2 Sweden
Japan had been one of the most formidable sides up to this point, topping Group C and striding their way into the quarter-finals. After defeating Spain 4-0 to top the group and beating Norway 3-1 in the last 16, the 2011 champions were becoming fancied to add their second title.
Yet long after putting a lacklustre performances at the start of the tournament behind them, Sweden executed the perfect game-plan and have now knocked out each of the last two winners.
Despite being an impressive defender, recent Arsenal signing Amanda Ilestedt propelled her campaign for the Golden Boot by scoring her fourth goal in five matches. Filippa Angeldahl later doubled the Swede's lead after converting from the penalty spot yet the game was far from over.
A late penalty gave Japan a glimmer of hope, only for Riko Ueko to smash the spot-kick off the bar. But there was an even later rally when sloppy defending from ex-Chelsea captain departee Magdalena Eriksson gifted Honoka Hayashi a consolation goal in the 87th minute.
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Spain 2 - 1 Netherlands (aet)
It was a story of teams not taking their chances as both Spain and the Netherlands failed to capitalise on the copious shots they both had. Dutch forward Lineth Beerensteyn in particular had six shots but could only put two of those on target and had a moment to win the match, before her luck ran out, and Spain managed to quickly convert one of their own.
It was Stefanie van der Gragt gave away a foolish penalty for handball that allowed Mariona Caldentey to hand Spain a late lead. Yet the Dutch defender made up for her error after moving up front to net the equaliser that forced extra-time.
However, Beerensteyn's aforementioned inability to capitalise on her chances paved the way for Spain to counter, Jenni Hermoso finding the run of teenage sensation Salma Paralluelo, who secured the match winner in the 111th minute. The story for the Netherlands was simple; applied pressure far too late on and failed to make chances count, eventually ending their tournament run in dismay.
Spain only made their World Cup debut in 2015 and had never won a knockout game prior to 2023. Now, they will face perennial semi-finalists Sweden for a place in the grand final.
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