Nope: Sweden got one goal on fluky bounces on a set piece when it fell right to the feet of a Swede (Japan's culpability in that one was not getting it cleared). The other came on the truly bad luck of having a deflected ball hit Nagano on the arm (no intent at all, but the right call). Japan handled any Swedish counter (and aerial ball)…
Nope: Sweden got one goal on fluky bounces on a set piece when it fell right to the feet of a Swede (Japan's culpability in that one was not getting it cleared). The other came on the truly bad luck of having a deflected ball hit Nagano on the arm (no intent at all, but the right call). Japan handled any Swedish counter (and aerial ball) just fine. While Sweden's disruptive play for the first 65-70 minutes is a not-to-be-dismissed factor, Japan also had some dreadful luck.
Their tactical approach in this match was more like the one v Spain than v Norway, btw. Sweden had more possession until the last 20 minutes + stoppage. Japan was too tentative in their play until late, too...I truly think the weight of the moment caught up with that young Nadeshiko side. A painful but invaluable experience...
The best team in the tournament is out now. But they'll be better for the Olympics...and even better still in 2027. Incandescently bright future for the Nadeshiko...
Nope: Sweden got one goal on fluky bounces on a set piece when it fell right to the feet of a Swede (Japan's culpability in that one was not getting it cleared). The other came on the truly bad luck of having a deflected ball hit Nagano on the arm (no intent at all, but the right call). Japan handled any Swedish counter (and aerial ball) just fine. While Sweden's disruptive play for the first 65-70 minutes is a not-to-be-dismissed factor, Japan also had some dreadful luck.
Their tactical approach in this match was more like the one v Spain than v Norway, btw. Sweden had more possession until the last 20 minutes + stoppage. Japan was too tentative in their play until late, too...I truly think the weight of the moment caught up with that young Nadeshiko side. A painful but invaluable experience...
The best team in the tournament is out now. But they'll be better for the Olympics...and even better still in 2027. Incandescently bright future for the Nadeshiko...