Japan's spirit comes from devastated land

FRANKFURT, Germany -- Only hours before their quarterfinal match of the World Cup, captain Homare Sawa and the rest of the Japanese players were transfixed by slides of the devastation to their country from the earthquake and tsunami.

That evening they went out and upset mighty Germany, the two-time defending champions playing at home. The Japanese players reached their first World Cup semifinal with a fighting spirit that belied their size in the face of the towering hosts. "They touched us deep in our souls," star Aya Miyama said of the pictures.

Sawa added: "As a player, we cannot do very much for Japan, but at least we can try and play as hard as we can." Coach Norio Sasaki's effort worked. The session gave the players "more stability and heart" for the match.

After the breakthrough victory Saturday, there is no more need for such inspiration ahead of the semifinal against Sweden Wednesday.

In sharp contrast, Sweden's march through the tournament has been as carefree as the twirling, joyous team dance that accompanies every victory. "We cannot play for the same reasons, obviously, as them," Sweden captain Caroline Seger said.

They already had a taste of what's to come with a 1-1 draw against Japan in a pre-World Cup exhibition. "We don't have very good memories of playing against them," Sweden coach Thomas Dennerby said. "Our players will work hard to go one step further."

They have done so every time. All of their first-round games were decided by one goal. But that did include a 2-1 win over the United States, which is now the tournament favorite.