New Zealand wins the Women’s World Cup 2-1
Japan misses penalty kick in the 31st minute of the second half

Japan’s bid to return to the Women’s World Cup for the first time in 12 years has ended in the quarterfinals.

Japan lost 1-2 to Sweden in the quarterfinals of the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) 2023 Women’s World Cup Australia-New Zealand on Monday in Auckland, New Zealand. The loss ended Japan’s dream of returning to the tournament for the first time in 12 years since the 2011 edition in Germany. Japan’s exit means that none of the previous Women’s World Cup winners (USA, Japan, Germany, Norway) have reached the last four of the tournament. Germany did not advance past the group stage, while the United States and Norway were each eliminated in the round of 16.

Japan fell behind 0-2 after conceding goals in the 32nd minute of the first half and six minutes into the second. They pushed until the final whistle to find an equalizer after Hayashi Honaka scored a late goal in the 42nd minute, but were unable to find the back of the Swedish net. 일본야동 For Japan, Riko Ueki missed a penalty kick in the 31st minute. Japan had been a strong favorite to win the tournament, with an unblemished record of 11 goals scored and no clean sheets in three group games.

Sweden defeated FIFA World No. 1 USA in the round of 16, who were looking to win their third straight tournament, and then defeated Japan to reach the quarterfinals for the second straight tournament. Sweden finished third at the 2019 tournament in France.

Earlier in the day, Spain defeated defending champions Netherlands 2-1 in extra time to reach the quarterfinals. This is the first time Spain has reached the Women’s World Cup quarterfinals. Spain and Sweden will play for a spot in the final on Friday.

The other quarterfinal matches, Australia-France and England-Colombia, will be played on Dec. 12. England is one of three teams, 한국야동 along with Japan and Sweden, to go undefeated in the tournament’s group stage.