Swedan-USA | Penalty shootout decision : Out for USA – Sweden in quarterfinals
The US team was surprisingly eliminated in the round of 16 at the Women’s World Cup. The defending champions lost 4-5 to Sweden on penalties.
Defending champions USA were eliminated surprisingly early in the women’s soccer World Cup. The US selection lost 4:5 (0:0, 0:0) against Sweden on penalties despite their superiority in Melbourne.
Swedan-USA | US team superior – but goalless
In front of 27,706 spectators in Melbourne, the four-time world champion was clearly superior, but was unable to take advantage of the multitude of opportunities. In the decision of the point, star player Megan Rapinoe, Sophia Smith and Kelley O’Hara forgave.
The decisive Swedish goal by Lina Hurtig was still being checked, the ball was only just behind the line. The Americans had never finished worse than third at a World Cup.
Gripping game
From the start it was a gripping game with clear advantages for the defending champion. Midfielder Smith was denied by Swedish goalkeeper Zecira Musovic in the 54th minute.
Coach Vlatko Andonovski’s US side were pushing for the opening goal at this stage, and Lindsey Horan’s shot went just wide (57′). The Swedes got their first good chance late, Sofia Jakobsson failed in the 85th minute. Musovic saved on the other side of the field a little later against Alex Morgan (89th).
Sweden now against Japan
Sweden also struggled to keep the US team away from their own goal in extra time. However, the world champion team remained inefficient in the end. The decision therefore had to be made on penalties – and it was really dramatic.
Sweden now meets Japan, world champions from 2011, in the quarter-finals.
