The Japan women’s team advanced to the final of the Algarve Cup after beating Sweden 2-1 with Miyama Aya’s late penalty in their third and final group game on Monday in Portugal.
　The win helped Japan overtake Sweden for the top spot in Group B with two wins and a draw. The Swedes were second with two wins and one defeat. Denmark were third following their 5-3 win over the United States. The U.S. side ended up with one point at the bottom of the four-team table.
　In Wednesday’s final, Japan will meet Group A winners Germany.
　For the game against Sweden, who are managed by former United States coach Pia Sundhage, the Nadeshiko formed their starting team around the players who led Japan to victory in the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
　Sasaki Norio’s side took control with their fast-paced passing work and came close with attempts from Miyama, Sawa Homare and Ohno Shinobu, while Kawasumi Nahomi did good work on the right flank.
　But in the 42nd minute Sweden went ahead when defender Linda Sembrant connected with a Therese Sjogran free-kick.
　Japan responded well and came close when Kawasumi hit the right post a minute before the break.
　The equalizer came four minutes into the second half when Ogimi stole a Swedish back-pass, dribbled forward and fired home.
　Sweden attacked hard in their attempt to retake the lead and came close around the 75-minute mark, but goalkeeper Kaihori Ayumi reacted well to protect her goal.
　Japan also attacked hard and came close in the 88th minute when substitute forward Iwabuchi Mana hit from the right, but her effort was stopped by Sweden goalkeeper Carola Soberg.
　Japan won a penalty soon after when Sembrant handled as she attempted to clear a Japan cross.
　Miyama coolly converted the spot kick, helping her side move on to the final for the first time in two years.
　“I’m glad I was able to convert the kick as the penalty came from everyone’s efforts,” said Miyama. “We can improve our quality more and more and I hope we do that in the final and show our strength.”
　Japan boss Sasaki said, “We played well with good tempo from the start. The players are growing game by game and making fewer mistakes in their combination work.”
　Iwashimizu Azusa, who committed the foul that led to Sweden’s opener, said, “It was great to see our teammates were so dependable in beating our opponents. It’s been three years since the East Japan earthquake disaster and I hope we can produce a good result to make the people happy.”
　Ogimi commented, “We played at our pace from the first half and I believed that we could win this game. Playing against Germany in the final is what I was looking for.”