Sweden shock holders USA in last 16 of Women's World Cup

Sweden knocked out holders USA after VAR intervened in a chaotic penalty shoot-out that ultimately settled their last-16 tie at the Women's World Cup.

Lina Hurtig's winning penalty initially appeared to have been saved by USA goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, however VAR officials stepped in, with video replays confirming that the entire ball had just crossed the line.

Sweden were able to celebrate a 5-4 win on penalties after an extremely tense goalless draw in Melbourne on Sunday.

The USA, who won the last two editions of the tournament, had led 3-2 in the shoot-out but Megan Rapinoe and Sophia Smith missed their spot kicks and the Swedes took full advantage in sudden death.

Goalkeeper Naeher scored for the USA but with their next effort Kelley O’Hara hit the right post to give Hurtig the chance to win it.

"We're so happy right now. I don't know how we managed to stay in this game," said a jubilant Sweden captain, Magdalena Eriksson, whose side will now face Japan in the quarter-finals on Friday.

"We didn't play our best game, but in some way we showed we're hard-headed, we showed heart, we never give up. We took it to extra time, we took it to penalties and we managed to win."

For four-time World Cup winners the USA, it was the first time they have failed to at least reach the semi-finals of the competition.

Losing captain Lindsey Horan said: "A lot went into this performance, we were confident and patient and played beautiful football. We created chances, we didn't score and to be frank, penalties suck.

"I'm proud of every player who stepped up to take one. I'm very proud of my team. Some of the young players coming through are killing it."

VAR - Penalty Shootout USA v Sweden - Lina Hurtig scores the winning penalty after