U.S. Knocked Out Of Women’s World Cup After Dramatic Loss To Sweden

Topline

The United States women’s national soccer team had its dreams of a three-peat dashed Sunday morning, when a dramatic shootout led to the team’s elimination from the World Cup in a match against Sweden that ended 6 to 5 and had its final goal verified by a video-assisted referee.

USA players react as Sophia Smith of USA misses her team’s fifth penalty in the penalty shoot out … [+] during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between Sweden and USA at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on August 6, 2023. Photo by Quinn Rooney

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Key Facts

The Americans were knocked out of the World Cup on a penalty kick after finishing 0-0 in extra time and then bouncing back and forth during kicks—U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher managed to first block the shot of Sweden’s Lina Hurtig, but it crossed back over the goal line and she couldn’t save it again.

Swedish goalkeeper Zecira Musovic made 11 saves to keep her team in the match before the shootout, and Sweden’s Nathalie Björn and U.S. star Megan Rapinoe both missed their penalty kicks before the finish.

It’s the worst-ever World Cup exit before the semi-finals for the U.S. team, who won the last two competitions in 2015 and 2019, and were considered strong contenders to win the tournament again this year.

Tangent

The Americans finished second in Group E in the group stages to make it to the Round of 16—the U.S. first beat Vietnam 3-0, then drew the Netherlands 1-1 and Portugal 0-0 in the group stage.

Crucial Quote

“It’s probably my last game ever being able to have the honor to wear this crest,” said Julie Ertz, 31, who has been on the U.S. national team since 2013.

Julie Ertz of the United States reacts after loosing during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & … [+] New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between Sweden and the United States on August 6, 2023. Photo by Brad Smith

Getty Images for USSF

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