CNN —Sweden will face Spain in the semifinals of the Women’s World Cup after beating Japan 2-1 in a thrilling encounter on Friday. Despite sustained pressure throughout 10 minutes of stoppage time, Japan was unable to find a second goal as Sweden held on to reach a fifth Women’s World Cup semifinal. Winners in 2011, the team’s performances in Australia and New Zealand had given fans hope of claiming a second World Cup title. Japan was halted in its quest to win a second Women's World Cup. But rather than spark Japan into action, the team seemed to retreat further into its shell against a Sweden team that was now brimming with confidence.

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Persons: Amanda Ilestedt, Filippa, Riko Ueki, Honoka, Abbie Parr, Ilestedt, Japan’s, Phil Walter, Japan –, Kosovare Asllani, Ayaka Yamashita, Esther Staubli, Angeldal, Aoba Fujino, Zećira Mušović, Madelen Janogy, Riko, Ueki, Honoka Hayashi pounced Organizations: CNN, Japan Locations: Sweden, Spain, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United States, Fuka Nagano