Soccer-Sweden brace for journey into unknown against unpredictable Japan

Soccer Football - FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Sweden Training - Waitakere Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand - August 10, 2023 Sweden players are seen in the reflection of a puddle during training REUTERS/Hannah Mckay TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

AUCKLAND (Reuters) - Sweden have not faced a team like Japan at the Women's World Cup and are wary of their passing game but are backing themselves to beat the 2011 champions in Friday's quarter-final by starving them of possession.

Undefeated Japan have been in fine form at the tournament, scoring 11 goals in the group phase before eliminating 1995 champions Norway with a 3-1 win in the last 16.