The United States’ hopes of a third consecutive Women’s World Cup title were dashed as they dominated their round of 16 tie against Sweden, but were dramatically defeated 5-4 on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
The defending champions churned out 21 attempts throughout the game, but Sweden goalkeeper Zecira Musovic made 11 saves to keep the scoreline down and drag the game into a shootout.
With the scores locked at 3-3 after five penalties each, the shootout progressed into sudden death, with US defender Kelley Ohara hitting the post with her effort.
Sweden’s Lina Hurtig thus had the chance to score the winning penalty, but US keeper Alyssa Naeher appeared to have saved her effort.
However, a VAR review showed that the ball had completely crossed the line, prompting wild celebrations in the Sweden camp.
The US came into the match having risked an early elimination, as only the post ensured they progressed to the last 16 in a 0-0 draw against Portugal. Emily Sonnett stepped into the midfield for suspended Rose Lavelle, and Trinity Rodman also returned to the starting line-up.
The US started better than they had against the Netherlands and Portugal, dominating the first half as Sweden hardly put together a run of play.
Rodman sprinted down the right and saw her effort denied by Musovic in the 18th minute, before the goalkeeper was alert to palm away Lindsey Horan’s towering header.
The defending champions kept the pressure on as Musovic was called into action again to punch away Horan’s first-time strike.
Musovic played heroics in the 89th minute by denying Alex Morgan’s header and smothered another Morgan strike in injury time.
Sweden will now face Japan in the quarterfinals, while the US’s elimination means this is the first time in Women’s World Cup history that the Stars and Stripes will not finish among the tournament’s top three teams.
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