The U.S. women’s national team’s were eliminated from the 2023 Women’s World Cup in a 5-4 loss to Sweden in the round of 16. The loss by USWNT marks the earliest exit ever for the U.S women’s team at a World Cup.
USWNT’s quest for an unprecedented three-peat ended on Sunday at AAMI Park in Melbourne, Australia, falling to the Swedes after a penalty kick by Sweden’s Lina Hurtig crossed the line by a millimeter, eliminating the Americans. Despite the U.S. having the advantage, goalkeeper Zećira Mušović was the difference for Sweden, who made 11 saves. The game was scoreless at full time and again after extra time, before Sweden then advanced 5–4 on PKs to move on to the quarterfinals.
The top-ranked Americans scored just four times in four games at the tournament. U.S. manager Vlatko Andonovski said after the loss: “I’m so proud of the girls, on the field and everybody outside. I know we were criticized for the way we played and I know we were criticized for different moments throughout the group stage. I think we came out today and showed what we are all about, our grit, resilience, fight and bravery. We showed everything that we could to win the game. Unfortunately, soccer can be cruel sometimes.”
Sweden will take on No. 11 Japan in the quarterfinals at 3:30 a.m. EDT Friday in Auckland, New Zealand. The winner will battle No. 6 Spain or the No. 9 Netherlands in the semifinals..
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