The best attack of the World Cup against one of the best defenses. Sweden have only conceded one goal during the World Cup so far but will now face Japan, who have slammed in 14 goals in four games.
It would not be a wild guess that the match picture will be similar to the one that arose against the United States, where Sweden was pushed hard for long periods and the firm Magdalena Eriksson / Amanda Ilestedt had to fight hard to protect the Swedish penalty area.
"You're a defensive player for a reason. There's a small part of you who thinks it's pretty cool even when you get besieged like that and see how you can still make sure they don't get clear scoring chances. In a way, your big purpose comes at stake and you get to show off, it's still defensive players we are. We like to defend both Amanda and I, says Magdalena Eriksson.
"With Japan, things happen"
Against the USA, Sweden conceded a lot of chances and were often under a lot of pressure. Afterwards, Sweden was not entirely satisfied with that effort.
"I think it was impressive against the USA how we still managed to keep a dialogue throughout the game, even though it was so stressful. It's an experience we bring into the game. There was a lot of pressure throughout the game but we managed to stay calm and constructive and were able to find positions out of that pressure. Of course we hope we can play better but we are ready for anything.
At the press conference, next to Eriksson, was fellow centre-back Amanda Illestedt, who has accounted for three goals in the tournament.
"You have to be connected and we know that with Japan things happen. They are good at exploiting small spaces, at playing in between the back line and the early entries along the ground. We must be prepared for a lot to happen," says Amanda Ilestedt.
Sweden will face Japan in the quarter-finals that begin at 9.30 tomorrow, Friday.
Watch highlights from the FIFA World Cup
English star's brain drop: "She stepped on her"
28 sec
Kerr back as Australia knocked out Denmark
31 sec
England to quarter-finals after penalty shootout against Nigeria
29 sec
France beat Morocco in the round of eight
46 sec
Colombia on – after Usme's class goal
26 sec
The expert on the unlikely images: "Clearly"
1 min
Lina Hurtig sent Sweden to the World Cup quarterfinals
40 sec
Musovic played big in the eighth final
26 sec
Double mistakes from Norway
29 sec
Giant painting by the goalkeeper as the Netherlands won 2–0
34 sec
Laia Codina's unlikely own goal in World Cup debut
19 sec
See Aitana Bonmati's goal in the crusher
30 sec
Historic fiasco by Germany – misses playoffs for the first time
43 sec
Morocco sensational to playoffs – zeroed Colombia
47 sec
The Big Bang: Brazil knocked out of World Cup after cruising against Jamaica
30 sec
Dream free kick gave Panama's first World Cup goal of all time
26 sec
Watch the 20-year-old's double dream goal against Vietnam
33 sec
See the pole hit that saved the U.S.
16 sec
Italy eliminated after own goal against South Africa
33 sec
Watch Sweden's goal in the 2-0 win against Argentina
1 min