USA crashed out of the Women’s World Cup in dramatic fashion on Sunday, with Sweden beating the two-time defending champions in a penalty shootout to reach the quarter-finals.
After below-par performances in the group against Netherlands and Portugal, USA were in much better form in their round-of-16 clash, dominating play and allowing Sweden few opportunities.
But neither side found the back of the net across 120 minutes of action and, in an enthralling shootout, three USA players missed before Lina Hurtig scored the winning penalty for the Blue and Yellow after a heart-in-mouth VAR check.
Meanwhile, Netherlands were tested at times but ultimately progressed in a 2-0 win over South Africa. New Manchester City signing Jill Roord and Lineth Beerensteyn scored either side of half-time to send the 2019 runners-up back into the quarter-finals. Sweden hold on to stun USA in dramatic finish Ahead of the round-of-16, the clash between world No.1 USA and third-ranked Sweden was the match everyone was most excited for.