The U.S. ladies’s nationwide crew un-encouraging run on the 2023 FIFA Ladies’s World Cup got here to a disappointing ending Sunday within the Spherical of 16.
Sweden eradicated the Individuals 5-4 in a penalty shootout after the groups performed out a 0-0 scoreline by way of 120 minutes of motion. Megan Rapinoe, Sophia Smith, and Kelley O’Hara all missed their spot kick alternatives earlier than Sweden’s Lina Hurtig snuck the deciding penalty previous Alyssa Naeher.
Zećira Mušović was Lady of the Match after making 11 saves for Sweden.
The USWNT got here out on the entrance foot with Trinity Rodman having the primary likelihood in the direction of purpose. Rodman snuck an effort in the direction of the Sweden purpose, however goalkeeper Zećira Mušović punched away the winger’s shot.
Lindsey Horan’s header within the thirty fourth minute additionally appeared harmful, however the crossbar got here to Sweden’s rescue to maintain the rating at 0-0.
Horan’s fizzing right-footed shot within the 53rd minute appeared destined to present the USWNT a 1-0 lead, however Mušović palmed away the shot for a nook kick.
The Individuals continued to strain Mušović within the Sweden web up till the ultimate minute of standard time. Alex Morgan’s header within the 93rd minute got here near stealing the victory for Vlatko Andonovski’s squad however Mušović performed hero once more for Sweden with a key save.
Mušović made three extra saves in further time to maintain Sweden alive as she denied Sophia Smith and Morgan on respective makes an attempt. Her continued efforts compelled the 2 groups to go to a shootout.
After two rounds of profitable penalty kicks, the USWNT thought they took a slight benefit after Sweden’s Nathalie Bjorn’s shot skied over the crossbar. Nonetheless, Megan Rapinoe proceeded to overlook her shot within the fourth spherical as each groups stayed alive.
Naeher denied Rebecka Blomqvist’s low drive to present the USWNT its likelihood of development, however Smith missed her ensuing effort to maintain Sweden within the match.
Kelley O’Hara struck the put up within the seventh spherical, giving Sweden the chance to seal its quarterfinal spot. Lina Hurtig’s shot was initially denied by Naeher however the ball proceeded to roll into the again of the web, ending the Individuals’ quest at a third-consecutive World Cup title.
Sweden will now meet Japan within the quarterfinals whereas the Individuals put together for his or her fall schedule.
“I’ve obtained all the boldness on the planet in all 23 of us to step up and take PKs,” Naeher stated postmatch to reporters. “Sadly we weren’t capable of put them away tonight however it doesn’t take something from Pinoe, Kelley and Soph. They’re incredible gamers and I really feel for them, too. It’s powerful — they’ve educated for it, they’ve ready it. Sadly these issues occur and my coronary heart hurts for them.”
The USWNT returns to motion in mid-September with a pair of house friendlies in opposition to South Africa.
