Head coach Futoshi Ikeda said Japan are prepared for a tough test against a Swedish side who are determined to win the FIFA Women's World Cup for the first time after finishing third four years ago. 

 

"We do not plan to play defensively as we want to take the game to Sweden," said Ikeda. 

 

"I am sure Sweden will start strongly and we must respond accordingly to control the game. They are fast, very aggressive and tall, so we have to be prepared to deal with that first and foremost."

Sweden, however, will prove to be a tough challenge, with the Scandinavian side having defeated Japan 3-1 in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Round of 16.

"That we are able change our approach during matches is all because of the players. They have been completely focused since the start of the tournament and that has brought us to where we are today.

"We want to keep winning and I am confident that we will produce our best yet again on Friday," said Ikeda. 

In another match in Wellington, Spain will play against Netherlands.

AFC