Sweden braces for journey into unknown against unpredictable Japan

AUCKLAND, Aug 10 – Sweden haven’t confronted a workforce like Japan on the Women’s World Cup and are cautious of their passing recreation however are backing themselves to beat the 2011 champions in Friday’s quarter-final by ravenous them of possession.

Undefeated Japan have been in high quality kind on the match, scoring 11 targets within the group section earlier than eliminating 1995 champions Norway with a 3-1 win within the final 16.

Sweden had been unbeaten of their group however needed to grind by way of to the final eight with a troublesome win over the United States on penalties.

Sweden coach Peter Gerhardsson mentioned his workforce had no reference from their earlier World Cup matches to take care of the versatile Japanese, who’ve modified techniques in response to their opponents.

However, the Swedes consider they’ve the game-plan to close them down.

“It’ll be a one-on-one situation that will decide this game,” he instructed reporters at a press convention on Thursday.

“Of course, we need to try to stop their passing game.

“We’ve talked rather a lot about if you wish to achieve possession you are able to do that very excessive up the sector. We’re going to should do each.

“We’re going to have to be patient … We’re going to have to work harder.

“We can win towards them in a one-on-one scenario however it’ll take just a few extra passes.

“But when you do get in possession, you’re going to have to be very fast and take the opportunity and make use of our physique and our strength.”

The match is a repeat of the Olympic quarter-final which Sweden gained 3-1 in Saitama to eradicate the Tokyo Games hosts.

Centre again Amanda Ilestedt, who gained a silver medal with Sweden on the Olympics, mentioned the Nadeshiko had been now a unique workforce.

“I think they’re a really good team. They’re good tactically and technically,” she mentioned.

“I think they have developed their speed in front. They’re using the space a lot more than when we played them two years ago in the Olympics.

“That’s one thing now we have to be ready on tomorrow.”

—Reuters