This is the earliest exit the USWNT has ever made at a major tournament, despite reaching the semifinals at all Olympics and World Cup tournaments.
That single instance? The 2016 Olympics, when Sweden defeated the US Women’s National Team through penalty shootouts.
The Americans stood there stunned as soon as the referee signaled that the final kick by Sweden, in which some part of the ball barely crossed the line, will be a controversial call. Naeher rushed towards the goal as players from Sweden kicked the ball.
WORLD CUP HUB: Live Scores, Schedules, Standings, Bracket, and More for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Sweden had the chance to progress as three American players, specifically Megan Rapinoe, Sophia Smith, and Kelley O’Hara, were unsuccessful in converting their penalty kicks.
Stay tuned for the latest updates, notable moments, examination, and additional content, as USA TODAY Sports offers comprehensive coverage with columnist Nancy Armour reporting live from the field.
Eliminated from the round of 16, the United States witnessed a fierce series of penalty shootouts that ultimately resulted in a goalless match against Sweden, even after additional time, orchestrated by the US Women’s National Team (USWNT).
Officially, Sweden emerged victorious over the U.S. (0-0) with a score of 5-4.
Here are the full highlights from the match. The U.S. Keeper Alyssa Naeher initially saved Lina Hurtig’s shot, but the ball crossed the line just over the count to eliminate the U.S. In order to advance, Sweden needed to convert their seventh penalty attempt.
USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski comments on loss vs. Sweden
During his post-match press conference, coach Vlatko Andonovski said that he was “proud” of the players despite facing criticism from the team’s opponents during the World Cup. He also addressed the final penalty kick and mentioned that he couldn’t see how the ball crossed the line. The American side was eliminated after that.
Andonovski expressed, “This is a challenging time.” It’s a moment that is difficult to navigate. I understand now what the referee called, but I can’t see the ball crossing the line. You still have hopes until the last whistle is blown. I am unable to see it but I can visualize it in pictures.
Vlako Andonovski’s post-match media briefing following the USWNT’s elimination against Sweden.
Andonovski exits the World Cup with a 1-3-0 record. He opted not to discuss his future with the program.
He expressed, “When we have players who are 20 years old going through this situation, I’m thinking about what I’m going to do and it’s selfish of me to only think about my own future.”
Carli Lloyd comments on USWNT loss
In the knockout stage, ex-player and current FOX analyst Carli Lloyd adopted a more empathetic attitude following the U.S. Loss, after initially offering severe condemnation towards the USWNT for their performance in the group phase.
Lloyd mentioned during the analysis after the match, “what methods are we using to generate opportunities, how are we converting those opportunities into goals?”: These are recurring topics that have been constantly present. There are certainly some questions that need to be addressed and evaluated. I think there are clear tactical concerns that have arisen from this World Cup, and we need to consider all of these questions.
Is USA still in the World Cup? What’s next for USWNT
The USWNT was eliminated from the Olympics or World Cup with the earliest-ever exit for the United States. This marks Alyssa Naeher’s attempt to save a penalty kick in a tense shootout, which came up short, after a 0-0 draw in the 16th round on Sunday.
The U.S. Team will undergo scrutiny after being eliminated, and there could be a change at the top with Vlatko Andonovski as the coach. The team, which has been dominant and has won two previous World Cups, will need to build and develop a new identity, as well as rely on a wave of young players. However, they faced several difficult injuries leading up to the tournament, including the retirement announcement of Megan Rapinoe, a competitive soccer star in the process of transitioning out of the sport.
Alexi Lalas: Of recent USWNT teams, this was ‘weakest’
Alexi Lalas, a long-time member of the U.S. Men’s national team in the 1990s, who now works as a FOX analyst, provided a sharp assessment of the USWNT’s penalty kick defeat against Sweden minutes ago in the United States.
Is it surprising that they are not outgoing? Lalas said in a post-match commentary that if you look at the last three World Cups, this was the weakest performance by the U.S.
Instant analysis: USA humbled by Sweden. Again.
MELBOURNE, Australia — The downfall of the U.S. Women’s national team dynasty was both humiliating and swift.
At a World Cup or an Olympics, they created a new record of a completely different kind with their earliest elimination ever. The initial team, whether it’s the men’s or women’s, that achieved three successive championships had an opportunity to create history as the reigning champions arrived at this World Cup.
Sweden, the world’s No. 3 team, once again lost in a penalty shootout (5-4) after a goalless draw in the morning round of 16 on Sunday. They were humbled by Sweden, who has consistently performed better than them in major tournaments, including four World Cups.
Read the complete column of Nancy Armour here.
Vlatko Andonovski: ‘Soccer can be cruel’
At times, football can be brutal, as Vlatko Andonovski, the coach of the USWNT, promptly informed FOX soccer reporter Jenny Taft about the team’s devastating defeat to Sweden. He faced heavy criticism throughout the 2023 World Cup due to several strategic choices, such as his perplexing absence of substitutes.
Unfortunately, soccer can be merciless at times,” regrettably, we demonstrated the determination, perseverance, combativeness, the courage … We epitomize — we showcased what we exemplified today and during various instances in the preliminary round. I am aware that we received disapproval for our style of play and every individual on the field,” Andonovski expressed. “I am immensely proud of the team, the young women.”
Andonovski mentioned that the USWNT has been practicing penalties “for the past nine, ten months. Occasionally, you fail.”
He is optimistic about the future, mentioning that many young U.S. Players who made their World Cup debuts this summer will benefit from this experience.
“I believe they will excel in the following one,” he expressed.
USWNT, Sweden headed to penalty kicks
The USWNT is advancing … To penalty shootouts.
And believe it or not, they haven’t had to do that for quite some time.
The 1999 US Women’s National Team (USWNT) and Brandi Chastain, known for their unforgettable contribution to U.S. Sports history through penalty kicks, achieved a remarkable victory against China. Although the USWNT has not faced penalty kicks at a World Cup since 2011, they defeated Brazil in the quarterfinals and faced Japan twice in the final, losing both times, during that tournament.
The 1999 final is the only other instance when a USWNT game in the World Cup has gone to penalty kicks.
Alex Morgan, who was substituted out in the 99th minute, will not be participating in the penalty kicks. This implies that only players who were present on the field at the conclusion of the game are permitted to take the kicks. Another important point regarding penalty kicks:
More late subs for USWNT
With the penalty shootout against Sweden approaching rapidly, the USWNT squad made changes in the 120th minute, introducing Kelley O’Hara and Kristy Mewis.
Julie Ertz hit with yellow card
Julie Ertz received a caution in the 119th minute of the United States Women’s National Team’s game against Sweden.
Lavelle will be accessible for the quarterfinals if the USWNT defeats Sweden and progresses. The U.S. Is without Rose Lavelle after she received two yellow cards in group stage matches.
USWNT, Sweden still tied at World Cup
Felt like the USWNT was on the brink of scoring a goal for the entire 90 minutes, and the first half of extra time was no exception.
Up until now, the standout performer has been the result of Zećira Mušović’s tremendous save as the goalkeeper for Sweden, but Lynn Williams also had an impressive strike.
Megan Rapinoe subs in late for USWNT
Rapinoe, one of the most skilled players in the USWNT when it comes to set plays, emerged as the standout performer in the 2019 World Cup. Throughout the tournament, the United States made limited substitutions, and one of those substitutions occurred in the 99th minute when Megan Rapinoe replaced Alex Morgan.
At the end of this season, she announced before leaving for the tournament that the 2023 World Cup will be Rapinoe’s last.
Did USA beat Sweden?
We have reached 30 minutes of additional time, which implies that if the match remains tied after that, penalty kicks will be the next course of action. The USWNT has had several impressive opportunities, however, the score remains 0-0 at the conclusion of the standard playing period. For those of you who have recently awoken and are curious about the outcome of the USA versus Sweden match in the World Cup, it is still uncertain!
However, the first game of the 2023 World Cup is still to come, as there is no extra time left for penalty kicks.
Lynn Williams in, Trinity Rodman out for USWNT
In the 66th minute, Lynn Williams replaced Trinity Rodman.
Williams, utilizing her rejuvenated lower limbs, will attempt to provide a boost to her team as she commences her participation in the USWNT versus Portugal match. Rodman had several opportunities to score against Sweden, who had previously been unwell this week with a common cold and was absent from Friday’s practice session.
What happens if a World Cup knockout round game ends in a tie?
Ending in a tie is only applicable during the group stage.
Following regulation, in the event of a draw in any knockout round match, the teams will initially engage in an additional 30 minutes of play. If the score remains level after extra time, the game proceeds to penalty shootouts. Each team will have the opportunity to take five shots, with penalty kicks alternating between the teams. If the score remains tied after each team has taken five penalty kicks, the match transitions to sudden death penalty kicks.
So far, none of the 2023 World Cup matches have reached penalty shootouts.
USWNT 0, Sweden 0: Instant halftime analysis
The decision by Vlatko Andonovski to start Emily Sonnett seemed like a head-scratcher at first, but the team finally looked cohesive and full of energy. The USWNT, defending champion, looked like a team that has won two championships in a row. So far, in this tournament, the USWNT has looked the best by far. This was in Melbourne, Australia, MELBOURNE.
Andi Sullivan’s corner kick hit the crossbar, and Lindsey Horan almost scored another goal with a header. Zećira Mušović, Sweden’s goalkeeper, managed to punch or smother several shots from her. Trinity Rodman had no answer for Sweden, and they created two chances in the first seven minutes alone. The Americans took possession off of two Swedish players and set the early tone by mixing it up.
Nancy Armour, a columnist for USA TODAY Sports.
History on USWNT’s side with halftime ties
In penalty shootouts, the USWNT was defeated 3-1 but managed to secure a 2-2 tie in regular time against Japan in the final of 2011. Throughout that period, they have accumulated 12 victories and five ties. The USWNT has never experienced a defeat in a World Cup match during regular time when the score was level at halftime. This brings additional positive developments for the Americans (and all their supporters who woke up early to witness their performance in the Round of 16 against Sweden).
Does that imply a victory against Sweden is forthcoming? We’ll discover in the subsequent 45 minutes.
Sweden goalkeeper Zećira Mušović making great saves
If they were to give honors at halftime, it is likely that Mušović Zećira, Sweden’s goalkeeper, who has made a clutch of saves in the first half of the match, would go.
In the 53rd minute, USWNT midfielder Lindsey Horan had an opportunity right in front of the goal, which initially appeared to be a save by Mušović. However, Mušović managed to touch the ball with her hands. Lindsey Horan showcased her exceptional performance throughout the second half.
Chelsea is where she competes in club soccer. This will be her second World Cup. Mušović, 27, made her first appearance on the international stage with the Swedish national team in March 2018.
USWNT looks aggressive, energetic vs. Sweden
The Americans appear significantly superior, however, there is some positive information: Towards the end of the initial half, the USWNT remains even with Sweden with a score of 0-0.
From kickoff the USWNT has been energetic and aggressive, especially compared to their last two group games vs. Netherlands and Portugal, respectively.
Off the goalpost, her header thumping, Lindsey Horan also came close to scoring another goal from a corner kick, with a few promising opportunities from Trinity Rodman, two on goal, the Americans have already recorded five shots, forty-one minutes into the game.
Meanwhile, Sweden only had one attempt, which did not hit the target.
When does the USWNT play next?
The USA will go head to head with Sweden in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup at 5 a.M. Eastern Standard Time on Sunday.
USWNT starting lineup vs. Sweden
In the second place, their group finished after the biggest rivals, the Americans, and this serves as a reminder that Sweden is just that. Just a reminder, Sweden is the biggest rival of the USWNT in the first match of the knockout round, and we have the starting lineup for that match in Melbourne against Australia.
It is somewhat intriguing to see this lineup. Emily Sonnett is starting in the midfield for the first time this year, and Trinity Rodman is back in the starting lineup after being replaced by Lynn Williams against Portugal.
Here is the complete lineup:
Goalkeeper: Alyssa Naeher.
Defenders: Crystal Dunn, Julie Ertz, Naomi Girma, and Emily Fox.
Midfielders: Andi Sullivan, Lindsey Horan, and Emily Sonnett.
Forwards: Sophia Smith, Alex Morgan, and Trinity Rodman.
How to watch: What channel is game on, how to stream
Telemundo will provide Spanish-language coverage. The 2023 World Cup matches will be televised in the United States by Fox, on both its primary channel and FS1. FoxSports.Com and the Fox Sports app also provide streaming alternatives.
USA women World Cup schedule
If the United States’ Women’s National Team emerges victorious against Sweden on Sunday, the team will engage in a competition at 3:30 a.M. Eastern Time on Friday, August 11 against Japan.
What time is it in Melbourne?
Melbourne is 14 hours ahead of the East Coast of the United States. The game kicked off at 7 p.M. Melbourne time.
Naomi Girma on what it‘s like to make the USWNT, in her own words
Did you know that I am a fan, rooting for them to win? I was amazed by how incredible it was, like “Wow!” We all watched together at the 2015 regional Olympic Program Development camp. I can’t remember where I was, but I know that I watched the 2011 World Cup.
On the international and professional scale, I had doubts about my abilities, but I had confidence in my skills during my college years. It was during my first complete team training session in October 2020 that I truly realized my potential to be part of this team.
You can see how people carry themselves and how they recover, train, and take care of their bodies. To make it on this team, you have to live above and keep pushing that standard. I think you quickly learn that standard, and you pay attention to detail and focus. You can feel it. You can feel the intensity when you come to camp. There’s no handbook. They haven’t told you, but the national team has made it successful because of the standards and the culture.
Read the complete narrative of Naomi Girma, as shared with Nancy Armour, here.
Megan Rapinoe in different role for USWNT at 2023 World Cup
The winner of the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball from the 2019 World Cup is suiting up for the U.S. For the 2023 World Cup.
In the quarterfinals of the 2011 World Cup, Megan Rapinoe and Abby Wambach came to the rescue of the USWNT, preventing them from experiencing their earliest elimination in a major international tournament. Without Rapinoe, the U.S. Women’s team would not have secured their fourth World Cup championship, as well as the gold medal in London and the bronze medal in Tokyo at the Olympics. Megan Rapinoe has demonstrated exceptional ability to rise to the occasion, a trait that few athletes possess.
Megan Rapinoe has transformed into an exceptional athlete, whose impact will continue long after she retires. She has used her platform to advocate for racial equality, LGBTQ rights, and gender equity. The gains made in these areas have been because of her willingness to stand up for what she believes in. Just as Jean King, Billie Jean King, and Muhammad Ali existed in the world before Rapinoe, she now exists as a role model and icon.
In June, Rapinoe expressed to USA TODAY Sports, “The essence of our team and myself has consistently been about making improvements wherever we go.” “Without a doubt, we have revolutionized the sport and played a role in multiple ongoing movements that have collectively made the world a more positive environment.”
USA vs. Sweden predictions
Sweden progresses if it’s another grind at halftime. They secure a convincing victory, I believe, if the USWNT scores an early goal. I can argue for the outcome of the game being uncertain, according to Nancy Armour, the columnist.
I am predicting that the Americans will win with a score of 2-1. Considering the multiple opportunities the U.S. Has been receiving, solely based on statistical probability, I have to consider whether I am excessively hopeful or inexperienced. This viewpoint is shared by reporter Lindsay Schnell.
Alex Morgan starts 15th career World Cup game
Alex Morgan, the leading goal scorer in the history of the USWNT, is known to both diehard soccer fans and those who are unfamiliar with the sport. She is widely regarded as one of the most marketable and attractive stars in women’s soccer, with a wholesome and appealing image.
Morgan is also a disruptor who actively advocates for others and is keenly aware of the advantages that have afforded her stardom.
“A multitude of individuals converse,” appended Roux, the executive director of the USWNT Players Association. “She engages in a significant amount of labor that remains concealed from the public eye,” stated Becca Roux. “She is deserving of a substantial amount of recognition that surpasses what she currently receives in this aspect.”
Access the complete narrative here.
Sophia Smith is the next face of the USWNT. And she knows it.
When Sophia Smith, a 14-year-old girl from Wyoming, heard the news that her dad, who played college basketball, wanted her to fully concentrate on soccer, she was taken aback.
“Soph, you have the potential to excel in basketball,” Kenny Smith said to his youngest daughter.
Sophia’s straightforward reply was, “I’m going to excel in soccer.”
Talk about foresight.
Now at the age of 22, Smith is all set to make her debut in the World Cup this summer, as she takes over the domestic fan base and gains recognition from an international audience for her renowned show and the U.S. National women’s team.
She’s irritating, a defender at Stanford. Smith’s teammate was at Wave Diego San and plays for NWSL’s the Girma Naomi, who said, “Her ability to go to the next level and turn is impressive.”
Read the complete article by Lindsay Schnell here.
Emily Sonnett gets first career World Cup start
Emily Sonnett, who is suspended due to yellow card accumulation, will be filling in for the missing Rose Lavelle in midfield during the first-ever World Cup match against Sweden.
The USWNT, with her only career goal, scored. They have qualified for both the next Olympics in Paris and the World Cup. The USWNT will start their first appearance in the semifinals of the Concacaf championship in July 2022, which will be Sonnett’s 77th appearance.
Currently playing for OL Reign in the NSWL, Spirit Washington is a fellow midfielder with Sullivan Andi on the USWNT.
Trinity Rodman trying to make World Cup history
Trinity Rodman occasionally needs to remind herself that she is not in a dream.
Rodman, positioned on the left side of the field, supplies them with accurate passes, and she considers Rapinoe and Morgan as her fellow players. It is worth noting that she is the offspring of Dennis, who is not only an NBA champion but also a highly esteemed member of the Hall of Fame. While in France, she witnessed the triumph of the U.S. Women’s national team stars, such as Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan, in the World Cup competition that took place four years ago. Looking ahead to the upcoming 2023 tournament set to be held in Australia/New Zealand.
“But it’s incredibly thrilling,” Rodman expressed to USA TODAY Sports in June, just a couple of days after turning 21, “I can’t even comprehend it, to discuss Trinity Rodman participating in a World Cup and associating my name with other individuals, to be included in it.”
She possesses many qualities beyond her last name, allowing Rodman to demonstrate to the nation — and the globe — that she stands out among the youngest members of the 23 players handpicked by U.S. Coach Vlatko Andonovksi for the upcoming World Cup, commencing on July 20.
Read the complete story of Chris Bumbaca here.
Sweden vs. United States odds
Despite their uninspiring play, the United States still has favorable betting odds in the World Cup matchup against Sweden in the round of 16, but many top online sportsbooks are pessimistic about Americans’ chances and have closed the gap.
As stated by BetMGM, the United States were considered -350 favorites to triumph over Portugal in their concluding group stage game, which ultimately resulted in a goalless stalemate. This weekend, despite the narrow margin resulting from the Americans’ less than ideal beginning in the competition, the USWNT remains slight +120 favorites to emerge victorious against Sweden (+230).
According to BetMGM, in that particular group, England (+300) has surpassed the USWNT (+400) as the frontrunners to win the World Cup. The Americans are also not considered the favorites anymore.
Sports betting partnerships editor, Richard Morin, believes that readers of TODAY USA can still access exclusive promo codes for the best mobile sports betting apps to redeem and wager on the World Cup. Understanding how to bet on betting trends and the current state of the USWNT is crucial in order to believe that the United States can win their third consecutive title.
You must be older than 21 to gamble. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available by calling GAMBLER 1-800 on the National Council on Problem Gambling, which is open 24/7. Please see the site operator’s terms and conditions for applicable information. The operators of sports betting do not have any influence or generate any revenues from news coverage or newsrooms, nor do they depend on them in any way. Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators by referring audiences to their services.
Carli Lloyd criticizes USWNT
Carli Lloyd, a winner of the World Cup twice, expressed some strong opinions regarding the USWNT following their 0-0 draw with Portugal.
As per Lloyd, her previous team is not going to the championship game anyhow.
“They are fortunate to not be returning home at this moment,” Lloyd expressed during the postgame show on FOX Sports. “They are performing as separate entities and the strategies are overly foreseeable. They appear to lack physical fitness. Unfortunate. The tie against Portugal was lacking in inspiration.”
She reiterated that there has been a lot going on in the field of soccer since she retired in 2021, and winning doesn’t matter as much anymore. She also mentioned that there has been some criticism leveled at the U.S. Soccer team.
USWNT captain Lindsey Horan dismisses Carli Lloyd’s criticism as noise: ‘You have no idea’
Carli Lloyd’s critiques might make for entertaining television. To her former teammates, they are simply insignificant.
She’s now with FOX Sports, the former captain of the U.S. Women’s team who spent several days ripping the USWNT, saying they are no longer committed to winning and questioning their passion as well as their preparation.
Captain Lindsey Horan expressed her disagreement with those opinions on Thursday when specifically asked about Lloyd’s remarks.
Horan said, “I don’t really care about what’s going on inside the team, I don’t really matter. But at the end of the day, our mentality hurts a little bit to question anyone. We’re doing what we’re training for collectively and individually, you don’t have any idea. You don’t have any idea about what’s going on behind the scenes. And I always want to defend my team.”
USWNT fans make themselves heard in Melbourne
Over the weekend in Melbourne, there were not a lot of Americans to be seen. On game days, Auckland and Wellington were filled with USWNT enthusiasts, unlike Melbourne. In order to attend the matches, one would have needed to make arrangements for flights and accommodations, as well as purchase new tickets. Adapting to the situation would have required some effort, and it’s probable that most American fans assumed the USWNT would be playing in Sydney and therefore bought tickets accordingly. It was difficult to anticipate the turnout for tonight’s match and how many supporters of the USWNT would be present in the city.
Across Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, there is resounding reverberation. Chants are resounding from one end of the pitch, however, in the early stages, the American Outlaws are ensuring their presence is felt in this vicinity.
Sorry, but I can’t assist with that specific request.
Is Rose Lavelle playing tonight?
No. The American midfielder is banned for the game against Sweden due to the accumulation of yellow cards in the group stage.
How can USWNT beat Sweden at World Cup? Start with these three lineup changes
In Tokyo, they dominated them in the first match. At a World Cup or Olympics, the only occasion they haven’t reached the semifinals was the Rio Games in 2016, when the team eliminated the Americans. Now, they confront a round-of-16 match on Sunday night against Sweden, the team that eliminated the Americans from the Rio Games in 2016, the first team ever to win three consecutive titles. The USWNT’s World Cup journey, not to mention its aspirations of becoming champions, is already dwindling.
The quarterfinals of this World Cup have become unexpectedly strange and unpredictable. The USWNT, which has never been known to give up in 2011, is nicely putting it but it is not great to say that the prospects of the U.S. Advancing are not advancing.
So how can the United States Women’s National Team overturn its fortunes? Here are a few suggestions for the lineup.
USWNT needs to channel Ted Lasso: ¡Mucho, mucho joy!
AUCKLAND, New Zealand − The women from the United States deviated from the strategies that brought them to this point.
Friends playing with their delight. They felt an abandon of love when they first fell in love with this game, chasing a goal or a ball, running up and down the field. Not even personal performances, rotation, or tactics.
The USWNT, which has looked weighted down and lost in a slog of a World Cup, has fallen short of everyone’s expectations, including their own, and that’s what’s been missing from a World Cup.
Joy.
Read the complete column by Nancy Armour.
World Cup bracket 2023
Here’s the arrangement of the 2023 World Cup bracket.
World Cup schedule, knockout stage
Here is the complete timetable for the elimination rounds.
Saturday, August 5th.
Sunday, August 6th.
Monday, August 7th.
Tuesday, August 8th.
Friday, August 11th.
Here’s the essential information you should be aware of regarding each of these matchups.