The U.S. Women’s National team lost to Sweden in penalty kicks 5-4 after a 0-0 match, knocking them out of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. This loss not only ended their two straight World Cup winning streak, but also sparked widespread shock within the already disappointed U.S. soccer community due to their 0-0 tie versus Portugal 4 days prior.
The game started quickly, as both teams exhibited high energy and swift ball movement. After about 5 minutes, the U.S. was maintaining possession and getting many opportunities at a goal. Although the defense started the game moving slow to the ball, causing them to give up several corners, it was clear that the U.S. was dominating the match. The U.S. even had the first on-target shot of the game, when midfielder Andi Sullivan shot off a cross outside the box. As the half went on, both teams became increasingly more tight knit and aggressive, but the U.S. managed to combat these congested instances of play with well executed passing sequences. These sequences led to many shots on goal, but none found the net. The U.S’s stats exceeded Sweden’s substantially, with 68% possession and 2 shots on target, however their failure to score prevented them from getting a lead. The first half of the match ended 0-0.
Both teams entered the second half with noticeable energy and aggression. Right off the bat the U.S. exhibited noticeable aggression and fast-paced possession, earning them several opportunities at a goal. Through their quick and accurate gameplay, the ladies were earning opportunity after opportunity, many of them just barely being saved by the keeper. Despite their effort, none of the shot takers managed to actually finish the shot and earn the point, ending the second half 0-0. As no goals were scored by either team, 30 minutes of extra time was added. Drastically switching things up, renowned striker Alex Morgan was subbed out by the legendary Megan Rapinoe. Despite her flashy reputation, Rapinoe started the game sloppy with her passes and slow to defend. The rest of the team matched this type of play as well, and their possession capabilities began to fall apart. Extra time ended 0-0, so the teams prepared themselves for a penalty kick shootout to determine the winner of the match.
The beginning of the shootout fostered hope amongst fans, as the U.S. successfully scored their first three penalty kicks, while Sweden missed their third. Unfortunately the US’s lead was lost through misses by Rapinoe, star forward Sophia Smith and Kelly O’Hara. These misses put the U.S. in a sudden death situation. Should Sweden’s final kicker, forward Lina Hurtig, miss her shot, the shootout would continue, and should she score the U.S. would be sent home. Both teams awaited the shot with tense anticipation. Her shot came hurtling to the right side of the goal only for it to be stopped, as U.S. keeper Alyssa Naeher’s quick instincts allowed her to anticipate its final location. Naeher dove and blocked the ball from entering the goal. For a brief moment it seemed as if the shot was blocked and that the penalty kick shootout was to continue, however it was soon revealed through goal line technology that the ball had actually passed the goal line by a few millimeters. This gave Sweden the win in penalty kicks. The US’s time in the world cup was put to an end. Although the results of this game left the fanbase shocked and disappointed, the U.S players remain hopeful for the future. “It’s an honor to represent this team, and I’m excited for the future of these girls,” said USWNT legend Julie Ertz to fox sports reporter Jenny Taft.
