Nadeshiko Japan exited the Women's World Cup with a 2-1 loss to Sweden following a nail-biting finish to their quarterfinal clash at Auckland's Eden Park on Friday.
Sweden led 2-0 before substitute Honoka Hayashi breathed life back into Japan's campaign in the 87th minute, with the 2011 champion pushing desperately for an equalizer during 10 minutes of stoppage time.
Five days after eliminating the United States, which was seeking its third straight title, the Swedes dominated Japan for most of the evening to set up a semifinal against Spain at the same stadium on Tuesday.