Defending champion U.S. bounced from Women's World Cup as Sweden advances on penalties

The United States played its best game of this Women's World Cup and it's wasn't good enough.

The Americans' bid to win an unprecedented third consecutive title ended Sunday night on penalty kicks when Lina Hurtig converted and Sweden knocked the United States out of the World Cup 5-4 after a scoreless draw.

It is the earliest exit in tournament history for the United States, the two-time reigning champions and four-time winners.

U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher fruitlessly argued she had saved Hurtig's attempt, but it was ruled over the line. The stadium played Abba's "Dancing Queen" in the stadium as the Swedes celebrated.

"We just lost the World Cup by a millimetre. That's tough," said Naeher, who successfully converted her own penalty kick. "I am proud of the fight of the team. We knew we hadn't done our best in the group stage and we wanted a complete team performance and the team came out and played great."

She praised Sweden goalkeeper Zecira Musovic, who had 11 saves to eliminate the United States in the Round of 16 for the first time in team history. The American's worst finish had been third place, three times.

"We didn't put anything in the back of the net," sobbed Julie Ertz after the loss. "The penalties were tough. It's just emotional because it's probably my last game ever. It's just tough. It's an emotional time. It obviously sucks. Penalties are the worst."

The loss was somewhat expected based on the Americans' listless play through three group stage matches. But they played their best game of this World Cup against Sweden, only to have it decided by penalties.

Megan Rapinoe, Sophia Smith and Kelly O'Hara all missed penalty kicks that could have given the United States the win.

"I am proud of the women on