Japan continues to impress on the grand stage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC), progressing comfortably into the quarter-finals with a convincing 3-1 victory over Norway in the round of 16. This quarter-final berth comes on the back of a remarkable defensive record, having conceded just one goal in the entire tournament. Impressively, Japan has already netted 14 goals, surpassing their previous best of 12 from the 2011 edition when they lifted the trophy. Adding a touch of nostalgia to their journey, Japan also overcame their upcoming opponents, Sweden, with a 3-1 victory in the semi-finals during their triumphant 2011 campaign.

Manager Futoshi Ikeda emphasized the growth of the team's resilience following the Norway match, underscoring the collective effort that has propelled them forward. While he refrained from singling out any particular player, Hinata Miyazawa emerges as a standout figure, leading the Golden Boot race with an impressive five goals. Her performance could prove pivotal in Japan's quest for a third semi-final appearance in four WWC editions.

Sweden, third-place finishers in the 2019 edition, arrive at this juncture with their own momentum. They topped Group G unblemished and clinched a stunning round of 16 victory against defending champions USA, triumphing in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Lina Hurtig, the scorer of the crucial final penalty, candidly acknowledged the satisfaction of securing a win even when their performance wasn't at its best.

Despite Sweden's impressive record, they face a daunting task against an in-form Japanese side. Blågult, as the Swedish team is known, has emerged victorious against Japan twice in their three Women's World Cup head-to-head encounters, including a dominant 8-0 victory back in 1991. Yet, a win of any margin against Japan holds immense significance for Sweden. Buoyed by their formidable run of nine victories in their last 11 WWC matches, tempered by just two losses, Sweden can quietly nurture their confidence as they head into the encounter at Auckland’s Eden Park.

The key battle to watch unfolds between Sweden's Fridolina Rolfö and Japan's goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita. Rolfö has contributed crucial goals and assists for Sweden, while Yamashita has demonstrated her prowess by conceding only once in her last five appearances. The upcoming clash promises to be an intriguing showdown between Sweden's attacking force and Japan's resolute defensive structure.

I believe the Swedes are undervalued due to the public picture of the Japanese team. The quality will prevail in favor of the Swedes in my eyes.

日本队继续在国际足联女足世界杯(WWC)的大舞台上留下深刻印象，在16强比赛中以令人信服的3-1战胜挪威队，轻松进入1 / 4决赛。四分之一决赛的入场权来自于出色的防守记录，在整个比赛中只丢了一个球。令人印象深刻的是，日本队已经打进了14个进球，超过了他们在2011年夺冠时创造的12个进球的纪录。在2011年的世界杯中，日本队在半决赛中以3:1战胜了即将到来的对手瑞典队，这也为他们的征途增添了一丝怀旧之情。

在与挪威的比赛后，日本队主教练池田富士强调了球队韧性的增强，强调了推动他们前进的集体努力。虽然宫泽欣没有特别点名任何一位球员，但他还是以突出的表现脱颖而出，以令人印象深刻的5粒进球领跑金靴。她的表现可能对日本在四届世界女足锦标赛中第三次进入半决赛起到关键作用。

瑞典是2019年世界杯的第三名，在这个关键时刻，他们也有自己的动力。他们毫无瑕疵地排在G组的首位，并在一场令人紧张的点球大战中击败卫冕冠军美国队，取得了16强的胜利。最终关键点球的得分手莉娜·赫蒂格(Lina Hurtig)坦率地承认，即使他们的表现不是最好的，也能获得胜利。

尽管瑞典队的战绩令人印象深刻，但面对状态良好的日本队，他们面临着艰巨的任务。瑞典女足在女足世界杯上三次交锋中两次战胜日本队，其中包括1991年8-0的压倒性胜利。然而，对日本的任何一场胜利对瑞典来说都意义重大。在过去的11场世界杯赛中，瑞典队取得了令人敬畏的9场胜利，仅输了两场，他们可以在奥克兰伊甸园公园的比赛中默默地培养自己的信心。

瑞典队的弗里多利娜Rolfö和日本队门将山下绫香之间的关键之战值得关注。Rolfö为瑞典贡献了关键的进球和助攻，而山下在最近的五次出场中只丢了一次球，展示了她的实力。即将到来的比赛将是瑞典队的进攻力量和日本队坚定的防守结构之间的一场有趣的对决。

我认为瑞典队的价值被低估了，是因为公众对日本队的印象。在我看来，质量将有利于瑞典人。