- The US Women’s National Soccer Team suffered a defeat against Sweden in the Women’s World Cup on Sunday.
- It represents the earliest exit by the US team in the international tournament.
- Sweden eliminated the US team through a penalty shootout following a goalless draw.
Sweden eliminated the United States from the 2023 Women’s World Cup on Sunday, marking the earliest exit for the US team in the international tournament.
The US team lost to Sweden 5-4 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw in regulation and extra time, according to The Associated Press. ESPN reported that Sweden’s Lina Hurtig secured the winning goal with her kick, narrowly defeating the US team. The tense moment was shared on Twitter by @beInSPORTS_EN.
Team USA’s goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher made an impressive attempt to block the shot, but the referees determined that the ball passed her. The loss is a disappointment for the US team, who aimed to secure their third consecutive World Cup win after achieving victories in 2015 and 2019. Sweden will now face Japan in the quarterfinals on Friday.
Team captain Alex Morgan expressed her devastation over the loss, stating, “It feels like a bad dream. The team gave everything tonight, it feels like we dominated, but it doesn’t matter. We’re going home, and it’s the highs and lows of the sport of soccer. So, yeah, it doesn’t feel great.”
The article mentioned that Megan Rapinoe, Kelly O’Hara, and Sophia Smith missed penalty kicks that could have secured a victory for the US team.