USA out of the World Cup after losing on penalties to Sweden
USA out of the World Cup after losing on penalties to Sweden

Twitter reactions as USA crash out of 2023 Women’s World Cup

90minute.com Sports News

No team is more synonymous with Women's World Cup success than the United States. The United States Women National Team has won the competition four times and been runners-up once alongside three third-place finishes, but in 2023 a new historic low was set.

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All great teams go through cycles and must learn to go again in the future, but few expected the Americans to leave Australia and New Zealand at the last 16 stage this year.

That’s exactly what happened, however, blowing the competition wide open as their conquerors Sweden joined Spain, Japan and the Netherlands in reaching the quarter finals.

Their meeting on Sunday was the first knockout stage game this tournament to go to extra-time and subsequently penalties. The United States dominated proceedings, registering 11 shots on target to Sweden's one, but found an inspired Zecira Musovic between the sticks.

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Legendary striker Alex Morgan may have headed the USWNT in front in the 89th minute but her powerful effort was pushed away by Musovic as Sweden secured a goalless draw in normal time.

No winner was found in that extra 30 minutes as penalties ensued. Andi Sullivan, Fridolina Rolfo, Horan and Elin Rubensson traded successful efforts before Sweden blinked first. Kristie Mewis converted before Nathalie Bjorn skied over the crossbar.

Veteran Megan Rapinoe could have put the US ahead but instead sent it into the stands, turning and running back to her teammates with a rueful smile before Alyssa Naeher saved well from Rebecka Blomqvist.

The yips then got to Sophia Smith, whose penalty went arrowing past the post, before Hanna Bennison finally levelled for Sweden.

Naeher and Magdelen Eriksson added successful strikes before Kelley O'Hara struck the post after sending Musovic the wrong way, gifting Lina Hurtig the chance to send the Scandinavians through.

In an extremely tense finale, Naeher scrambled to save Hurtig's low effort, batting the ball away on the second attempt. However, referee Stephanie Frappart indicated the ball had crossed the line by the slimmest of margins, sparking wild celebrations for Sweden who will face Japan in the quarter finals.

Before today, the United States' worst result at a Women's World Cup was their third place finishes in 1995, 2005 and 2007. For them to go out in the last 16 is huge. In truth, they were lucky to make it this far. They have led the way for so long but others have caught up.

Before today, the United States' worst result at a Women's World Cup was their third place finishes in 1995, 2005 and 2007. For them to go out in the last 16 is huge. In truth, they were lucky to make it this far. They have led the way for so long but others have caught up.

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