The USWNT have been despatched crashing out of the 2023 Women's World Cup within the final 16 as Sweden defeated the defending champions in a dramatic penalty shootout. Sweden will face Japan within the quarterfinals whereas the United States misplaced their first knockout contest on the World Cup since 2011.

Sweden entered the competition in good spirits, boasting a 100% document with three wins from three within the group stage. The European nation additionally beat the United States on the Olympics, and they also have been brimming with confidence as they took to the sector in Melbourne.

Meanwhile, the USWNT solely gained one in all three group stage video games with successive attracts. It has been a nervy match for the reigning back-to-back world champions, however their followers hoped one thing would click on in opposition to Sweden.

In the newest chapter of probably the most performed fixture in Women’s World Cup historical past, the USWNT acquired off to a greater begin but the primary half resembled a heavyweight boxing bout because the groups sized each other up. Trinity Rodman, who missed the draw with Portugal final day trip as followers clamoured for her return, proved to be probably the most energetic spark for the US.

Rodman had a few efforts overwhelmed away by Zecira Musovic, whereas captain Lindsey Horan maybe got here closest to breaking the impasse with a header from a nook. Horan impressively rose to satisfy the cross and thump her effort off the cross bar, leaving the 29-year-old aghast.

With 2011 World Cup winners Japan awaiting within the quarterfinals, the USWNT opened the second half carrying the momentum they constructed late within the first half. Once once more, Horan thought she had opened the scoring however her strike - destined for the underside nook - was spectacularly saved by a diving Musovic.

The USWNT thought they'd booked their ticket to the final eight when Alex Morgan pkanted a header goalbound with minutes remaining, just for Musovic to sensatioanlly deny the long-lasting ahead. The Swedish goalkeeper proved to be the star of the sport as she ensured the competition turned the primary recreation of the World Cup to go to further time.

The extra interval merely gave Musovic extra time to showcase her abilities as he expertly denied Morgan from a decent angle. The striker was then withdrawn in favor of USWNT icon Megan Rapinoe, who instantly started to affect proceedings - however she could not cease it from going to penalties.

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