Hello and welcome to our coverage of the second semi-final in the Women's World Cup, as Japan take on Sweden in Frankfurt. The prize at stake is a final showdown against USA, who earlier beat France 3-1 in Moenchengladbach.

Japan have really settled into a passing groove and they will have the lion's share of possession, of that there is little doubt.

Sawa stabs a long ball forward and a moment of confusion in the Sweden backline gifts a throw to Japan. However, they waste the chance.

Sweden are formidable at the back and have proved as much in this tournament. Already this looks like a real task for Japan. They have to maintain faith in their patient approach.

Miyama delivers a cross from the left but Lindahl is off her line quickly to catch the ball. Decisive goalkeeping.

Japan will dominate possession but now they are in a position where they may have to open themselves up.

Ando looks for a quick response but fails to hit the target. Japan are behind, and due to a critical mistake from their key player.

What a goal for Sweden! Sawa, of all people, is guilty of a sloppy pass that gifts possession to Oqvist and she wriggles away from Azusa Iwashimizu before firing back across goal and past Kaihori. It took a little deflection but what a strike.

Mizuho Sakaguchi picks out Aya Miyama with a lovely raking pass out to the left and after losing possession briefly, Japan win it back. A deep cross from Aya Sameshima is claimed by goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl.

It's been a low-key start in Frankfurt in all honesty. We did have a large slice of drama in the earlier game as USA beat France though.

Saki Kumagai attempts to thread a pass through the centre of the pitch but Sweden cut it out and charge forward, with Japan goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori being forced to cut out a cross.

Sweden's Josefine Oqvist goes down after Kozue Ando inadvertently belts the ball into her face. Ouch. She clambers to her feet though.

Sweden do possess a formidable defence though, while forward Lotta Schelin is one of the most dangerous around on her day.

Homare Sawa already looks keen to get on the ball and if she is allowed to play her game then Sweden could struggle. Japan are very comfortable in possession.

KICK OFF!

Japan win the toss and will kick off.

Both captains are addressing the crowd as their teams line up behind them. It's an anti-discrimination message from the governing body, while Japan thanked the world for its support after that devastating tsunami. Now we will have the national anthems.

TEAMS: Sweden: Hedvig Lindahl, Charlotte Rohlin, Sara Larsson, Sara Thunebro, Annica Svensson, Caroline Seger, Lisa Dahlkvist, Therese Sjogran, Linda Forsberg, Lotta Schelin, Josefine Oqvist. Subs: Madelaine Edlund, Lina Nisson, Linda Sembrant, Jessica Landstrom, Kristin Hammarstrom, Antonia Goransson, Sofia Jakobsson, Sofia Lundgren, Marie Hammarstrom.

TEAMS: Japan: Ayumi Kaihori, Saki Kumagai, Azusa Iwashimizu, Aya Sameshima, Yukari Kinga, Homare Sawa, Mizuho Sakaguchi, Aya Miyama, Shinobu Ohno, Nahomi Kawasumi, Kozue Ando. Subs: Karina Maruyama, Nozomi Yamago, Kyoko Yano, Miho Fukumoto, Yuki Nagasato, Rumi Utsugi, Megumi Takase, Mana Iwabuchi, Megumi Kamionobe, Asuna Tanaka.

Sweden have the greater pedigree in the competition having lost to Germany in the final in 2003 and finished third in 1991. They beat Australia 3-1 to reach the semi-finals.

Japan reach this point having disposed of hosts and tournament favourites Germany in a dramatic quarter-final. Look out for Homare Sawa in midfield, who was superb in that shock victory.