USWNT out of World Cup after epic shootout vs. Sweden: Key takeaways, analysis
The U.S. women’s national team is out of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, after losing 5-4 on penalties to Sweden in the round of 16 after a 0-0 draw in regular and extra time. It is the first time the program has failed to at least reach the semifinal in a Women’s World Cup.
Sweden’s Lina Hurtig converted the winning penalty kick in unusual circumstances after the U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher had appeared to make the initial save that was overturned on review, with goal-line technology finding that the ball crossed the goal line after the initial block.
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Sweden goalkeeper Zecira Musovic was the star of the night for the Swedes, making 11 saves over 120 minutes.
Sweden progresses to the World Cup quarterfinals, where it will play Japan on Friday at 3:30 a.m. ET.
Kim McCauley, Jeff Rueter and Tamerra Griffin were watching and have some instant analysis.
For five kicks, it seemed that both the United States and Sweden were in control of the moment. It started with Andi Sullivan’s placed shot in the corner, followed by a turn and cry of jubilation. Then the teams traded tallies, with Kristie Mewis making it a 3-2 start on her first career touch during a World Cup match.
From there, the nerves took over. Nathalie Björn skied her shot, and for the first time in her storied career, so did Megan Rapinoe. It seemed as though U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher had given the Americans another window with a diving save on Rebecka Blomqvist’s attempt, setting Sophia Smith — the anointed U.S. striker of the future and the present — up for her first iconic moment in a World Cup. Unfortunately for the 22-year-old, her chance floated over the bar. Hanna Bennison leveled things again for Sweden on the next kick. Five rounds wasn’t enough.
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