Japan, the only remaining side with a perfect record at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, take on Sweden in the quarterfinals in Auckland on Friday.
Tournament leading scorer Hinata Miyazawa saw her goal tally jump to five as Japan topped Norway 3-1 to reach this stage, while Sweden downed tournament favorites USA in a Round of 16 penalty shootout after a scoreless draw.
This matchup will pit Japan’s ferocious attack against Sweden’s stifling defense. Japan have bagged 14 goals through their four matches to this point, pouring on the pressure up front. Sweden, meanwhile, blanked the United States and have conceded just one goal all tournament, coming in their opening game against South Africa, and are now on a 312-minute shutout streak.
The road to the title is fraught with danger for both nations, as the winner here will earn a date with either Spain or the Netherlands in the semifinals as only the most powerful and in-form sides remain alive.
Japan vs Sweden match facts
- Date: Friday, August 11
- Kickoff Time: 3:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. BST / 5:30 p.m. AEST
- Location: Eden Park (Auckland, New Zealand)
- Official: Esther Staubili (SWI)
- Last meeting: Sweden 3-1 Japan (July 30, 2021 | Olympics QF)
Japan vs Sweden prediction, odds
- Moneyline lean: Japan (+125)
- Score…
