- United States Shockingly Eliminated on Penalties
- Heartbreak for the United States as Sweden Advances
- Dominant Performance by U.S. Ends in Penalty Shootout Defeat
The current World Cup champions, the United States, were eliminated on penalties in front of more than 27,000 spectators in Melbourne. Lina Hurtig’s penalty shot advanced Sweden to the quarterfinals, with significant assistance from Zecira Musovic’s brilliant goalkeeping. It is the first time in tournament history that the United States has been vanquished so early.
In the end, it was a matter of millimeters, as Alyssa Naeher valiantly attempted to save the final penalty kick but was unsuccessful. The United States head coach Vlatko Andonovski stated, “This is a difficult time.”
“It just goes to demonstrate how sometimes cruel this game can be, and how small details can be the difference between winning and losing. I am really pleased of the crew. Although we were criticised for our performance… I think today was about perseverance.”
In the lead-up to this game, Andonovski’s squad had received widespread criticism.
Questions were raised about the team’s and the manager’s tactical abilities after uncharacteristically lackluster performances against the Netherlands and Portugal. On the night in question, they appeared much improved, but they were unable to capitalize on their dominance, as the match ended scoreless after extra time.
Due to suspension, the absence of Rose Lavelle, one of their main creators, did little to alleviate concerns. It compelled Andonovski to make two substitutions, with Emily Sonnett replacing Lynn Williams and emerging star Trinity Rodman replacing Lynn Williams.
They encountered a Sweden team that was one of only three teams to have won every game to that point. The attacking triumvirate of Stina Blackstenius, Fridolina Rolfo, and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd returned to the starting lineup for which Peter Gerhardsson was so successful in the 5-0 victory over Italy.
This United States team is not accustomed to being written off, and it was evident from the beginning that the week’s commentary had fired them up. They assaulted the pitch, compelling their opponents to retreat and commit uncharacteristic errors.
Smith and Rodman were gaining space, their juvenile vigor propelling the United States forward.
In the first half, only last-ditch challenges, shaking crossbars, and Musovic’s vigilance prevented them from defeating Sweden. Early on, Andi Sullivan blasted a shot wide before Rodman blocked a shot. The defense retreated whenever the 21-year-old firecracker advanced.
The finest opportunity for the United States fell to their captain, Lindsay Horan, who was aggressively attacking the game. The Lyon midfielder nearly beat Sweden at their own game, rising high only to see her header crash off the crossbar. Sweden is renowned for their ability to capitalize on set-piece opportunities. However, despite their dominance, they were unable to find a breakthrough, giving Sweden a gleam of hope.
The hiatus had little effect on America’s vitality. Despite facing a stronger Swedish press, they advanced at every opportunity. Only Musovic’s goalkeeping brilliance kept the score even, with the goalkeeper at moments putting up a one-woman wall. The best of the group was a cat-like response to block an instinctual Horan attempt.
Rodman’s ailment limited his playing time last week, which was unfortunate for the current champions. Her replacement by Williams, arguably the best American on the field, allowed Sweden to catch its breath. The team of Gerhardsson was content to bank up and attempt to pick off their opponents on the counter.
The substitute Sofia Jakobsson nearly accomplished this feat, advancing with dazzling agility to force a rare save from Naeher.
On the other end, her adversary in goal was outstanding once again, denying Alex Morgan a goal from point-blank range to force extra time.
Sweden began with greater intent, but the game settled into the same cadence as the United States continued to create. Musovic continued to make outstanding efforts to thwart Morgan and Williams. As fatigue set in, the game degenerated into penalties.
The gunfight was rife with tension. Both teams missed their penalty shots, but the image of Megan Rapinoe skying her attempt in her final appearance for the United States will linger.
Hurtig stepped up to win the game 5-4 for Sweden, setting up a quarterfinal matchup against Japan. The Sweden manager remarked, “They’re very skilled.” “It will be a distinct type of game… We want to have the mentality to win the ball, but we must acknowledge that they are passing and keep them from scoring.” Next Friday, Auckland will host the encounter between two of the tournament’s hottest teams.
