In their last two matches, Sweden has scored deserved, convincing wins over the United States and Australia. Star attacking players Lotta Schelin and Caroline Seger were both finding their form and finding some chemistry between one another. They were coming into their 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup semifinal match feeling confident that they could beat a Japan team who, despite upsetting Germany, shouldn’t have been able to deal with Sweden’s combination of size and skill. And ultimately, Sweden were completely outplayed.
Women’s World Cup 2011, Sweden Vs. Japan: Final Score, Japan Advances To Final Vs. USA With 3-1 Win
With an absolutely brilliant performance, Japan are through to the World Cup final against the United States with a 3-1 win over Sweden. They passed the ball and held their shape perfectly throughout the game, they created more shots and set pieces, and their goalkeeping was far superior. The final goal, the one that sealed the deal for Japan, was a 35 yard chip that was arguably the goal of the tournament. Their performance had everything, and they are beyond deserving finalists.
Sweden scored the opening goal of the game - a brilliant strike by Josefine Öqvist - but the next three goals came from Japan. The first and second were both small gifts, with Sweden making serious errors that led to easy finishes, but the third goal was anything but. Picking up a clearance from Sweden goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl in the 64th minute, Nahomi Kawasumi hit a 35 yard chip that appeared to defy physics, dipping just below the crossbar at the last second.
Japan’s win sets up yet another skill versus athleticism battle for Japan. They’ve won the first two, but the United States have beaten Japan multiple times this year in warm-up games for the World Cup. The two teams will meet in Frankfurt for the title on Sunday.
For all of our coverage of the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup semifinals, give our Sweden vs. Japan and USA vs. France StoryStreams a read.
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