Swedes reach World Cup semis by beating Australia

AUGSBURG, Germany — Lotta Schelin scored one goal and set up another Sunday as Sweden beat Australia 3-1 to reach the semifinals at the women’s World Cup.

After setting up Therese Sjogran for the opening goal in the 11th minute, Schelin pushed the lead to 3-1 in the 52nd to set off the players’ traditional Swedish dancing celebrations.

Schelin capitalized on a poor back pass from Kim Carroll and took one touch past goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri before slotting the ball into the unguarded net.

“There is a fantastic atmosphere in our team and we pulled each other through,” said Schelin, the player of the game.

The result means Sweden also qualifies for the London Olympics next year.

Sjogran set up Lisa Dahlkvist for Sweden’s second goal in the 16th in front of 24,605 fans, before Ellyse Perry briefly gave Australia hope with a stunning effort in the 40th.

Japan upset host Germany in another quarterfinal and will play Sweden on Wednesday.

“Now we have to concentrate on winning against Japan. We don’t have very good memories of playing against them,” Sweden coach Thomas Dennerby said.