How to watch Japan vs Sweden: TV channel and start time for Women’s World Cup fixture
In-form Japan face the biggest test of their Women’s World Cup campaign yet when they meet Sweden in the quarter-finals.
Japan have been the standout team of the tournament so far in Australia and New Zealand, defeating Spain 4-0 in the group stage and progressing to the quarter-finals after beating Norway 3-1 in the round of 16.
The 2011 world champions are the tournament’s top scorer so far, with striker Hinata Miyazawa topping the Golden Boot rankings with five goals from four games, while Japan have emerged as one of the favorites to take the title.
But Sweden are putting those ambitions to the test after the Olympic silver medalists defeated defending champions USA on penalties in the round of 16. After a 0-0 draw with USA, Sweden advanced dramatically after Lina Hurtig’s penalty missed the finish line by inches.
Here you will find everything you need to know.
When is Japan vs Sweden?
The game will take place on Friday 11th August in Auckland, New Zealand. Kick-off is at 8:30am UK time (BST).
What TV channel is it on?
The quarter-finals will be broadcast live on BBC One, with coverage starting at 8am BST.
What’s new from the team?
Japan and Sweden have been two of the most consistent teams at the World Cup so far and have both named unchanged line-ups for the quarter-finals. A potential change for Japan coach Futoshi Ikeda is to bring Riko Ueki back into attack, but the top three players with top scorers Miyazawa, Mina Tanaka and Aoba Fujino appear difficult to disrupt. Sweden also appear stable but will need to be bolder against Japan after Zecira Musovic’s exploits saved their World Cup hopes against USA.
How did both teams reach the quarterfinals?
Japan (Winner Group C)
- 5-0 against Zambia
- 2-0 against Costa Rica
- 4-0 against Spain
- 3-1 against Norway
Sweden (Winner Group G)
- 2-1 against South Africa
- 5-0 against Italy
- 2-0 against Argentina
- 0-0 v USA (won 5-4 on penalties)
