Sweden is close to getting a medal – ready for the semi-finals

Sweden had everything to lose in this match. I think I noticed that. They came back strong thanks to Blackstein’s goal coming from nowhere. They kept calm and won the match. That’s what matters, says SVT sports expert Marcus Johansson, after the game.

The unpredictability of the Swedish national team will be the key to victory.

Blue and Yellow shocked Japan immediately.

Sweden got off to a dream start when they hit the ball after just seven minutes of play. Fridolina Rulfo tried to shoot but from an embarrassing situation he sent the ball to the far fans.

Sweden’s punishment

The intense yellow-clad beginnings continued and made it difficult for Japan. But the native nation gradually grew in the match and before that the Sweden stars raised a warning finger for their playing skills.

There was a reason.

With 23 minutes played, Japan increased their lead to 0 – 1 after an attack from the right, caused by a defensive blunder. Amanda Elitete fell behind and Mina Tanaka, who ran in the back, easily scored the equalizer.

Perhaps a lot of people put their hearts in their throats after ten minutes. The referee issued a penalty kick for Japan after Tanaka fell easily in the penalty area. It turned out to be very easy. After reviewing the video assistant referee, the judge changed his decision and the sentence was removed.

A good start on an equal footing with others

Then Japan continued to appear in the second half. But it was Sweden who should take the lead in the 53rd minute. Stina Blackstenius was served by Fridolina Rulfo and BK Häcken striker fired his fourth goal of the tournament. The Swedes are in the driver’s seat – again.

With 68 minutes played, the VAR coach decided a substitution could turn the game around. At that time Sweden was in favor – and the referee chose to take the penalty. It took 32-year-old Kosovar Aslani and calmly scored her 39th goal for the national team.

The goal changed the image of the match and in the last minutes Sweden dominated well. The team kept the organization and replaced the players as Hanna Benison came up with an important card.

– I’m not happy with the press game or how the back line looks in placements and clearances. Johansson says the back line is one of the clouds of my anxiety for the upcoming matches.

Sweden will face Toni Gustafsson’s Australia in the semi-finals, the national team that Blagault defeated 4-2 in the group stage. Australia played the quarter-final against Great Britain and the match went 2-2 into overtime after full time. There, Australia won 4-3.