Japan vs. Sweden: Ultimate clash of styles at World Cup A

UCKLAND—Japan are the revelation of the Women’s World Cup but they must brace themselves for the ultimate clash of styles when they face Sweden in the quarter-finals at Eden Park on Friday.

The only side left in the tournament who have won the World Cup before, 2011 champions Japan have surged into the last eight with 14 goals scored in four games and one conced e-backs, they have been devastating on the counterattack, surgical with their passing in behind the opposition defence and clinical in the final third.

In Hinata Miyazawa they have the leader in the race for the golden boot with five goals.

Sweden have built their success on a solid defence that has also let in just one goal, in their opening game against South Africa. Physically they are a handful for opponents and they are particularly dangerous at set-pieces.

Zecira Musovic meanwhile produced arguably the best performance of any goalkeeper at the competition as Sweden eliminated holders the United States on penalties in the last 16.

“This won’t be like the physical game we had against the USA. It will be a lot