There were few real scoring opportunities in the group D game as both sides demonstrated strong defensive tactics.
Malin Gustavsson of Sweden, who scored twice in the team's previous match, did her best to break the strong Japan defence with 34 throws, but Malin could not find a way through. Malin later missed a crucial penalty and commented: ‘I had a lack of energy, I couldn't do any better.’
Japan’s Rie Urata said:‘We are so glad to reach the quarter-final as we were very disappointed about our Beijing (2008) performance. We immediately started training, aiming for the gold medal in 2012.’ She added: ‘We are confident that we will win the gold.’
Japan are now through to the last eight of the women's Goalball tournament, despite the goalless draw with Sweden at the Copper Box today. Japan will play their final group match against Canada on Monday.
The draw also meant Sweden are one point closer to qualifying from group D, although they will aim to beat Australia in their last group D match on Tuesday to ensure their place in the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, Australia will have to find their form in their final match if they are to qualify, after their 1-3 loss to Canada earlier. Even if they beat Sweden on Tuesday they must hope that Canada lose to the USA by over five goals - or the Americans lose to the Canadians by more than seven.
