Women's World Cup 2023: Reigning champions USA knocked out in dramatic penalty shootout

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.

It was not quite the contest many would have predicted, and but came alive in a dramatic penalty shootout that had to be seen to be believed.

Swedish ‘keeper Zecira Musovic was Sweden’s star on the day, making 11 saves across normal and extra time to keep her side level in a match that USA dominated throughout.

Rising star Trinity Rodman forced two good saves from Musovic in the first half, while Lindsey Horan’s powerful header rattled the crossbar.

Horan was again denied in the second period with Alex Morgan also denied by Musovic, who plies her trade at Chelsea.

And, as extra time got underway, the Blue and Yellow remained on the backfoot, as Musovic was again forced to deny Morgan and Sophia Smith.

Her heroics