Reigning champion USA is dumped OUT of the Women’s World Cup on penalties following a dramatic shoot-out that saw three USWNT stars – including Megan Rapinoe – miss to see Sweden advance
- The United States has been eliminated from the World Cup after a 5-4 defeat on penalties against Sweden
- They dominated the game, but were thwarted by Swedish goalkeeper Zecira Musovic
- Sweden will advance to the quarter-finals where they will face Japan on Friday
World Cup holder USA crashed out of the tournament in the last 16 leg after losing 5-4 on penalties to Sweden following a dramatic collision.
The USWNT went into the game under pressure, after finishing second in their group and facing a Swedish squad that had surpassed theirs with three comfortable wins out of three.
Vlatko Andonovski’s team were much better as they dominated the match but were thwarted by several great saves from Swedish stopper Zecira Musovic.
Lindsey Horan also hit the crossbar in the first half, before Musovic made a sensational one-handed stop of her in the second.
In the closing moments of the 90 minutes, she also prevented a certain goal from Alex Morgan at close range.
Sweden reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup by beating the USWNT 5–4 on penalties
Lina Hurtig scored the decisive penalty as Sweden fought back from 3-2 down in the shootout
There was a lot of drama as it was not clear whether her effort – originally saved by Alyssa Naeher – had crossed the line, before VAR ruled that it should send Sweden through
USWNT legend Megan Rapinoe was one of three American stars to miss their penalty kick
It was heartbreaking for the holders who put in their best performance of the entire tournament
The US continued to dominate in extra time, but could not force a breakthrough before a dramatic penalty shootout.
They raced to a 3-2 lead, but Megan Rapinoe missed her effort, before Sophia Smith blasted forward as she had the chance to win the tie.
It suddenly died before Kelley O’Hara hit the post and Lina Hurtig had a chance to send Sweden through.
Her attempt was saved by Alyssa Naeher but rebounded in the air. The USA goalkeeper clawed the ball out, but it took a while for VAR to rule that he should send Sweden through.
Peter Gerhardsson’s team will advance to the quarter-finals where they will face Japan on Friday.
Swedish goalkeeper Zecira Musovic made several excellent saves for her team in the match
One save was absolutely stunning as she tagged Horan’s effort around the post
She forced the tie into overtime with another great stop from Alex Morgan at the end
Lindsey Horan also hit the crossbar in the first half with a booming header from a corner kick
It was a hard-fought match with both sides battling each other for 120 minutes
Trinity Rodan (left) and Horan (right) were both smart and a threat to Sweden
Chelsea and Swedish stopper Musovic were in absolutely inspired form to keep the US at bay
It was a frustrating game for the USWNT, who just didn’t seem to let their pressure count
Two-time World Cup winner Megan Rapinoe, 38, was introduced by the USWNT in overtime