In an exciting match at Women’s World Cup , Sweden shocked the United States with a 5-4 sudden-death penalty shootout victory on Sunday, propelling them into quarter-finals against Japan and ending the defending champions’ run in the earliest stage ever.
Throughout the initial 90 minutes, the reigning Women’s World Cup champion exerted control, yet breaching Sweden defense proved futile due to remarkable saves by Swedish goalkeeper Zecira Musovic.
Despite extra time failing to break the deadlock, the tension heightened as the match proceeded to penalties in Melbourne. Sweden’s Nathalie Bjorn missed the opening shot, followed by a similar miss by Megan Rapinoe for the USA.
Rebecka Blomqvist’s attempt was thwarted, seemingly giving the USA an advantage, until Sophia Smith’s shot went off target.
When Kelley O’Hara’s strike hit the post, the fate rested on Sweden’s Lina Hurtig, who secured victory – though only after VAR confirmed her shot had indeed crossed the line.
This dramatic conclusion sees the tournament lose its top two ranked teams, following Germany’s departure in the group stage. Sweden, now regarded as a strong contender, holds the position of world number three.
Peter Gerhardsson’s team, aiming to surpass their 2019 third-place finish, now prepares to face the 2011 champions, Japan.
Nonetheless, this outcome is a bitter pill for the USA and a less-than-dignified ending for Megan Rapinoe, the 2019 Golden Boot recipient, who will retire at the season’s end.
The tournament began with high expectations for the four-time champion, a team that had consistently reached at least the semi-finals in past World Cups.
However, their performance in the group stage fell short, with only one win, against Vietnam.
This untimely and devastating exit is seen as a significant disappointment.
Musovic stands firm
Vlatko Andonovski made two changes from the team that played to a 0-0 draw against Portugal, with Emily Sonnett stepping in for suspended midfielder Rose Lavelle and Trinity Rodman chosen to lead the front line over Lynn Williams.
Sweden rested nine players in their final group match, but they reverted to their strongest lineup for this match, including strikers Fridolina Rolfo and Stina Blackstenius, along with Musovic as the starting goalkeeper instead of Jennifer Falk.
As both teams gauged each other’s strategies, the USA produced the first clear opportunity on six minutes, though Andi Sullivan’s shot from outside the box missed the target.
In the early stages, Sweden adopted a patient approach, focusing on exploiting space, particularly on the flanks. They sent in numerous inviting crosses to utilize their height advantage but to no avail.
As the match progressed, the US took control of the midfield, and an energetic Rodman came close to scoring in the 18th minute, forcing a save from Musovic. She replicated the save moments later, this time from Rodman, before a towering Lindsey Horan header hit the crossbar, marking the most promising opportunity of the first half, during which the US dominated.
The reigning champions carried their momentum into the second half, and it was only a remarkable reflex save by Musovic that kept Sweden on even terms, diverting a powerful strike from Horan around the post with full stretch.
The United States continued to dominate, and a goal seemed inevitable. However, Musovic’s brilliance persisted, as she made another incredible save in the 88th minute, this time denying Alex Morgan.
Musovic’s exceptional performance continued in extra time, as she made two more spectacular saves, leading the match into a penalty shootout.
