Sweden romps into the quarter finals following 5-4 penalty shootout win
Lindsey Horan of the USA shoots at goal CREDIT: Reuters/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
By Ed Emeanua
World football was not given a lesson on the power of tenacity and determination after all as tournament favorites, USA failed to reset their fortunes against a well known adversary, crashing out of the competition following their 4-5 loss after penalty kicks to Sweden in their round of 16 World Cup fixture at the at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium Melbourne/Naarm, Australia
Struggling United States of America Women’s National Team (USAWNT failed to turn their sagging World Cup morale and form around after their resolve and self belief fell short of propelling them ahead at the highest levels of Women global football.
Zecira Musovic denies Alex Morgan a late winner with a big-time save. Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters
The Line-Ups
Sweden starting XI: Musovic – Bjorn, Ilestedt, Eriksson, Andersson – Rubensson, Angeldahl – Rytting Kaneryd, Asllani, Rolfo – Blackstenius
US starting XI: Naeher – Fox, Ertz, Girma, Dunn – Sonnett, Sullivan – Rodman, Horan, Smith – Morgan
The Round of 16 XI 🇺🇸#USWNT x @Visa pic.twitter.com/ImXEf9FcAJ
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) August 6, 2023
The sides teams began the tie trying to find their rhythm early in the game with some combative midfield rumbles, that led Asllani to shoot at goal in the 2nd minute of the game pings but the USWNT easily clears the danger.
Sophia Smith of the United States under pressure. Photograph: Brad Smith/USSF/Getty Images for USSF
In the 8th minute, USA enjoyed sustained ball possession but Blågult tried to contain their their dangerous intentions only to the midfield. The USWNT however managed to breakthrough into the box but Smith is cocooned by five Sweden players to prevent her letting off a shot but the ball fell in the path of Sullivan whose short is wide off the mark.
Now into the 21st minute as Sweden again enjoyed a beautiful build-up but Ertz repelled the shot of the Americans at goal. The USWMT returned again and it was Ertz yet again who blocking their effort by conceding a corner kick.
The first half ended with the USA enjoying the most part of the possession. It ought to be stressed that Sweden just managed to deliver three touches in the US’ box in the first half of the game.
USA’s Lindsey Horan heads against the crossbar. Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters
The second half was only as scrappy in the early stages as control continued to be turned over. Then a long pass eluded most to locate Naeher, who was under no pressure from Sweden early on in the second half.
Now into the 80th minute of the game. Good possession play by the US in the opposition half. Naomi Girma plays the ball to Sophia Smith on the left hand side of the box, but Smith failed to direct her cross into the path of her teammates for a goal kick to Sweden.
Now into the 88th minute, a well delivered cross to Morgan in the Swedish goalmouth was met with a powerful header by the American striker towards the left corner, again, the Swedish keeper rescued her team, diving low to push away the ball.
Sweden’s Zecira Musovic makes a save [Hannah Mckay/Reuters]
US coach Vlatko Andonovski with Crystal Dunn before the start of extra time [Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/Reuters]
Now into extra time. The US continues to be the stronger team but haven’t converted with Musovic making some tremendous saves.
On the 100th minute, Smith lets off a shot that is blocked and Sullivan’s follow-up effort failed to find the target. The US effected their second change of the match by bringing in Rapinoe for Morgan.
The first half of the extra time also ended goalless.
Filippa Angeldal of Sweden lets Stina Blackstenius stretched her leg [Quinn Rooney/Getty Images]
Alex Morgan heads at goal [Hannah Mckay/Reuters]
In the 107th minute, Smith’s find touch at goal was denied by Musovic’s reflex save, who deflects the ball out of the field for a corner kick.
Now into the 119th minute. Smith’s cross eludes everyone. Ertz was then yellow carded for removing an opposing player off the ball, as the second half of extra time also ended goalless.
In the ensuing penalties, Sullivan, Horan, Mewis, and Naeher, scored from the spot for USA with Rapinoe, Smith, and O’Hara, all missing their kicks.
The scorers of Sweden’s spot kick were Rolfo, Rubensson, Bennison, Eriksson, and Hurtig, with Bjorn and Blomqvist blowing their kicks.
