England must beat Japan to earn a place in the Women's World Cup final.
The Lionesses reckon they are on the verge of "something special" as they prepare for the big match in Edmonton, Canada.
But their opponents are the reigning champions and have not yet lost at this tournament.
If Japan's players continue their winning streak it will be seen as the realisation of an ambitious project known as the "Nadeshiko Vision".
This is the "delicate" Nadeshiko carnation but Japan's players seem pretty hard
'Be a Nadeshiko in the world'
Nadeshiko literally means a sweet-smelling pink-and-white carnation, that has come to symbolise the "ideal" Japanese woman. The flower's qualities translate as "neatness, resilience and loyalty".
Broadly the Nadeshiko Vision is Japan's blueprint for women's development and has three main targets: to increase the number of women involved in the sport to 300,000, to make Japan a top international side and to "foster individuality" among players.
In particular, Japan's Football Association has put a focus on getting more school students, aged 13 to 15, playing football, as well as volleyball and basketball which have traditionally been the more popular team sports.
'Neatness, resilience, loyalty'
Japan are undoubtedly a highly technical team ranked two places above sixth-placed England in Fifa's world rankings.
They make up for any inferior physical strength with tight, disciplined passes, depth and quality in attack and creativity in midfield.
The team doesn't boast any obvious stars but this enhances their sense of teamwork and unity, according to Fifa's profile of the squad, external.
Mana Iwabuchi celebrates scoring the first goal against Australia during Japan's quarter-final win
Japan goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori has only let in two goals in five World Cup matches so far
Striker Yuika Sugasawa looks pretty neat and resilient during training ahead of the England game
Japan captain Aya Miyama is a left-sided midfielder known for her clever movement - we doubt she dreams about pink flowers
Lionesses' 'weird' tactics
Japan's players have apparently described England's tactics so far as "weird".
This assessment will no doubt please coach Mark Sampson who likes to keep opponents guessing and he reckons the match will be a "contrast in styles".
"This game won't be about who dictates territory, who dictates possession, or who has most shots on goal.
"It's about when you get your chance, taking it," Sampson said.
"This team has prepared for those moments when we need to be clinical."
His squad are only the third England team to reach a World Cup semi-final after the 1990 men's side and the 1966 World Cup winners.
"It feels like something's happening," winger Toni Duggan told Newsbeat.
"We've made history but we know that if we get to the final of the World Cup... [those will be] memories that last for a lifetime."
Follow the match Venue: Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton, Canada Date: Thursday, 2 July Kick-off: 00:00 BST Coverage: Live on BBC One, BBC Radio 5 live and BBC Sport website
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