Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher of the United States makes a save during the round of 16 match against Sweden at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)
Defending champion the United States crashed out of the Women's World Cup after a round of 16 defeat to Sweden, its earliest exit at the tournament.
MELBOURNE, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- The United States' hopes of a third consecutive Women's World Cup title were dashed as they dominated their round of 16 tie against Sweden, but were dramatically defeated 5-4 on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
The defending champion churned out 21 attempts throughout the game, but Sweden goalkeeper Zecira Musovic made 11 saves to keep the scoreline down and drag the game into a shootout.
With the scores locked at 3-3 after five penalties each, the shootout progressed into sudden death, with U.S. defender Kelley Ohara hitting the post with her effort.
Sweden's Lina Hurtig thus had the chance to score the winning penalty, but U.S. keeper Alyssa Naeher appeared to have saved her effort.
Alex Morgan of the United States (front R) vies with Sweden's goalkeeper Zecira Musovic (front L) during the match. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)
However, a VAR review showed that the ball had completely crossed the line, prompting wild celebrations in the Sweden camp.
The U.S. came into the match having risked an early elimination, as only the post ensured they progressed to the last 16 in a 0-0 draw against Portugal. Emily Sonnett stepped into the midfield for suspended Rose Lavelle, and Trinity Rodman also returned to the starting line-up.
The U.S. started better than they had against the Netherlands and Portugal, dominating the first half as Sweden hardly put together a run of play.
Rodman sprinted down the right and saw her effort denied by Musovic in the 18th minute, before the goalkeeper was alert to palm away Lindsey Horan's towering header.
Sweden's Johanna Rytting-Kaneryd (R) vies with Crystal Dunn of the United States during the match. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)
The defending champions kept the pressure on as Musovic was called into action again to punch away Horan's first-time strike.
Musovic played heroics in the 89th minute by denying Alex Morgan's header and smothered another Morgan strike in injury time.
Sweden will now face Japan in the quarterfinals, while the U.S.'s elimination means this is the first time in Women's World Cup history that the Stars and Stripes will not finish among the tournament's top three teams. ■
