The U.S. women’s national team narrowly lost its match and is now returning home. Sweden emerged victorious in a penalty kick shootout, defeating the U.S. 5-4 after both teams failed to score during the first 120 minutes of the Round of 16 matchup.
During the shootout, with the score tied at 4-4, Kelley O’Hara of the U.S. was unable to score after hitting the post. Lina Hurtig then secured Sweden’s win with a deflected shot that crossed over the goal line, just out of reach of U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.
This match, with its seven rounds of penalties, has officially become the longest in Women’s World Cup history. The U.S. and Sweden were tied at 3-3 after five rounds of penalties, with Sophia Smith missing a chance to secure the win for the U.S. In the sixth round, both teams scored before O’Hara’s miss and Hurtig’s winning goal.
This early elimination marks the first time the U.S. has not reached the semifinals in the Women’s World Cup, ending a streak of eight consecutive tournament appearances.
Despite statistically outperforming Sweden throughout the 120 minutes of scoreless play, the U.S. missed several opportunities to score.
In the 18th minute, Trinity Rodman had the U.S.’s first scoring opportunity but was denied by Swedish goalkeeper Zecira Musovic. Rodman had another chance in the 27th minute, but once again Musovic prevented a goal. In the 34th minute, Lindsey Horan headed the ball just above the keeper’s outstretched arm but hit the crossbar off a corner kick.
In the second half, both teams intensified their efforts but failed to score.
In the 53rd minute, Horan had another opportunity, taking a right-footed shot off Emily Fox’s cross that Musovic saved. In the 89th minute, Alex Morgan attempted a header off a cross from substitute Lynn Williams, but Musovic once again denied the U.S. by stretching out and making an impressive save.
Sweden, ranked third by FIFA, will move on to face Japan in the quarterfinals on Friday, Aug. 11.
This story will be updated…
