AUGSBURG (Germany), July 10: Sweden outclassed Australia 3-1 to book a semi-final clash with Japan in the Women’s World Cup here on Sunday.

Therese Sjogran (11) and Lisa Dahlkvist (16) had given the Swedes an early lead in their quarter-final tie before Ellyse Perry got one back five minutes before the break.

Lotta Schelin finished off the contest after 52 minutes.

Sweden, the 2003 runners-up, next play Japan, who sensationally knocked out two-time holders Germany, in the semi-finals in Frankfurt on Wednesday.

On Saturday, Japan knocked defending champions Germany out of the World Cup beating them 1-0 after extra-time to advance to their first semi-finals with France who also needed a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout to get past England.

Japan’s winning goal in Wolfsburg came in the 108th minute when captain Homare Sawa put in a superb long-range pass and substitute Karina Maruyama drilled past Germany goalkeeper Nadine Angerer.

Despite France dominating for most of their quarter-final game in Leverkusen Jill Scott had put England ahead after 59 minutes before Elise Bussaglia equalised with two minutes to go for a 1-1 score after extra time.

Camille Abily missed France’s first penalty but Claire Rafferty and Faye White then failed to net England’s last two to send Les Bleus through to a final four showdown.

Results: Played on Sunday: Sweden 3    Australia 1 Played on Saturday: Germany 0    Japan 1 France 1    England 1 (France win 4-3 on penalties)—Agencies