Sweden held off a late Japan fightback to reach the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup, leaving the tournament without a former winner in the last four ahead of England’s quarter-final against Colombia.
Five days after ousting four-time champions the United States in the last 16, the Swedes dominated the 2011 champions for most of the evening to set up a semi-final against Spain at Eden Park on Tuesday.
Sweden will play Spain in the semi-finals after La Roja defeated the Netherlands 2-1 to reach their first ever Women’s World Cup semi-final, thanks to Salma Paralluelo’s extra-time winner.
It’s England’s turn on Saturday as they face Colombia. The European champions survived a major scare against Nigeria in the last-16 and know they will need to improve when they take on a dangerous Colombia side, who shocked heavyweights Germany in the group stages.
Follow live updates from the Women’s World Cup ahead of England vs Colombia
