Sweden advance to Q/Finals after beating USA 5-4 on penalties
It is the end of the road for defending champions, the United States of America (USA) after they were beaten 5-4 on penalties by Sweden on Sunday in the Round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
It was a barrel draw after 90 minutes which led to extra time but the two sides could not find the back of the net after the referee signalled the end of 120 minutes of action which was still 0-0.
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The penalty shootout was a test for the USA team who are four-time world champions.
Both teams got their first two kicks each at the back. The drama started when Sweden missed their third kick, USA legend, Meagan Rapinoe missed her kick before Swedish forward, Rebecka Blomqvist ballooned hers across the bar.
It was nail biting for the USA team after forward Sophia Smith missed the fifth kick to level 3-3.
The sixth kicks took the turn of the goalkeepers and they both found the back of the net.
The decisive moment came when it was the turn of team USA but Kelley O’Hara failed to extend their country’s lead after missing her kick giving Sweden the advantage.
The atmosphere of the stadium was still after USA goalkeeper, Alyssa Naeher punched Lina Hurtig’s kick but it wasn’t powerful enough to push the ball which had already crossed the line thanks to the goal line technology and confirmed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) that the ball was in after Naeher’s punch on the ball which was counted as a goal for Sweden.
In the other match played, the Netherlands beat South Africa 2-0 to secure their quarter final slot.
It has been confirmed that Sweden will face Japan and the Netherlands will play Spain on Friday, August 11, 2023.