Sweden 0 USA 0 (aet; Sweden win 5-4 on pens)
Defending champions, the United States, have crashed out of the World Cup on penalties in front of more than 27,000 fans in Melbourne. Lina Hurtig’s spot-kick sent Sweden to the quarter-finals, helped significantly by the brilliance of Zecira Musovic between the sticks. It is the first time in the tournament’s history that the US have been eliminated at this early a stage.
In the end, it came down to a matter of millimetres as Alyssa Naeher desperately clawed at the final penalty but ultimately failed to keep it out. “It’s a tough moment,” Vlatko Andonovski said.
“It just shows how cruel this game can be sometimes and how small details make the difference between winning and losing. I am so proud of the team. I know we were criticised for the way we played ... I think we came out today and were all about the grit, the resilience.”
Andonovski’s side had attracted widespread criticism in the days leading up to this encounter. Uncharacteristically lacklustre performances against the Netherlands and Portugal had led to questions being raised about the character of the team and the manager’s own tactical capabilities. In the chill of Melbourne, they looked much improved but could not make their control of the game count, going out after the match finished 0-0 after extra-time.
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The absence of Rose Lavelle, one of their key creators, due to suspension did little to help to ease worries despite the US’s impressive record in this competition. It forced Andonovski into making two changes with Emily Sonnett coming in while rising star Trinity Rodman replaced Lynn Williams.
They were coming up against a Sweden team who were one of just three sides to have won all of their games so far. Peter Gerhardsson returned to the starters that served him so well in the 5-0 defeat of Italy, with the attacking trio of Stina Blackstenius, Fridolina Rolfö and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd all returning.
This American side are not used to being written off and it was clear from the start that the week’s commentary had lit a fire under them. They surged around the pitch with energy and intent, forcing their opponents back and into uncharacteristic errors. Smith and Rodman were finding space to drive down the flanks, their youthful enthusiasm pushing the US team forward.
They had Sweden on the ropes in the first half, with only last-ditch tackles, shaking crossbars and the alertness of Musovic keeping them at bay. Andi Sullivan flashed a shot wide early on before Rodman had a shot parried. The defence backed off the 21-year-old livewire every time she advanced, and she forced the goalkeeper into another fine stop.
The USA’s best opportunity fell to their captain Lindsay Horan, who was attacking the game with characteristic determination. Sweden are known for their ability at set pieces but the Lyon midfielder almost played them at their own game, leaping high above the defence only to see her header crash off the top of the woodwork. Despite their domination though, they failed to find a breakthrough, leaving Sweden with a glimmer of hope.
The break did little to sap the US’s liveliness. Despite being faced with a higher Swedish press, they swarmed forward at every opportunity. It was only Musovic’s brilliance in goal that kept it level, at times the goalkeeper putting up a one-woman wall. The pick of the bunch was a cat-like reaction to tip away an instinctive Horan effort, just tipping it around the far post.
It was unfortunate for the current champions that Rodman was only on limited minutes due to illness earlier in the week. Arguably the best American player on the pitch, her replacement by Williams allowed Sweden to take a breath and catch up with the pace of the game. Gerhardsson’s side were happy enough to bank up and try and pick their opponents off on the counter.
Substitute Sofia Jakobsson almost did just that, advancing with a dazzling display of footwork to force Alyssa Naeher into a rare save. Down the other end, her goalkeeping counterpart was brilliant once more, keeping out Alex Morgan from point-blank range to see the tie into extra-time.
Sweden showed more intent early on, but the game soon settled into the same rhythm as the US continued to create. The inspired Musovic continued to capture the headlines with fine stops to keep out both Morgan and Williams once more. And as tiredness set in, the game drifted towards penalties.
The shoot-out was filled with drama. There were wayward spot kicks on both sides but the image of Megan Rapinoe skying her effort in what was her final appearance in a USA shirt will linger.
The substitute Hurtig stepped up to win it 5-4 for Sweden to set up a quarter-final date with Japan. “They are very skilful,” the Sweden manager said. “It’s going to be a different kind of game ... We want to have the attitude to win the ball, but we have to accept that they are passing and hold them away from our goal.” Auckland will host next Friday’s quarter-final, a meeting of two of the tournament’s most in-form teams. – Guardian
