USA takes on Sweden in the Round of 16 on FOX. (FOX) The United States women’s national team enters the knockout stage with a ton of uncertainty as they pursue a third consecutive Women’s World Cup, and it is waters they have not been in very much.
After a 0-0 draw against Portugal last week, it appears the Americans have a steep hill to climb against Sweden, who were the winners of their group and have yet to drop a game.
The U.S. defeated Vietnam soundly but drew criticism with ties against the Netherlands and Portugal. The U.S. has never been eliminated before the third-place game.
The last time the team finished in third place came in 2007, when Abby Wambach was lighting up goalkeepers, and Hope Solo was making saves. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Lindsey Horan downplayed the criticism lobbed at the team and likened it to just "noise." United States' Lindsey Horan, left, heads the ball as Portugal's Tatiana Pinto watches during the Women's World Cup Group E soccer match between Portugal and the United States at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, Tuesday, Aug.