USA Defeated by Sweden in Penalty Shootout (5-4), Current Champions Eliminated from the Tournament
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Host Nations: Australia and New Zealand Dates: 20 July-20 August
Coverage: Broadcast live on BBC TV, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds and on the Sport News Center’s website and app. Check out the comprehensive coverage details and latest news.
In a shocking turn of events, USA, the defending champions, have been ousted from the Women’s World Cup after a surprising defeat against Sweden in penalties. The intense showdown took place in Melbourne, leading to a tense evening.
Although the USA team controlled the game for 120 minutes, Zecira Musovic, the Swedish goalkeeper, put on a stellar performance that halted their progress.
The shootout increased the tension as three USA players, including their star player Megan Rapinoe, missed their shots. Rapinoe’s miss was particularly poignant as it marked her final appearance on the global stage. After this surprising defeat, Sweden emerged victorious under extraordinary circumstances.
Alyssa Naeher, the USA goalkeeper, seemed to have successfully saved a shot by Lina Hurtig. However, after consulting with the video assistant referee (VAR), the goal was awarded by referee Stephanie Frappart, leading to exuberant celebrations from the Swedish team.
Sweden now advances to the quarterfinals, where they will face Japan.
Despite dominating the game, the USA failed to score during the shootout. Rapinoe, Sophia Smith, and Kelley O’Hara all missed their shots, with Rapinoe’s miss marking her final action in a World Cup as she plans to retire at the end of this year.
This defeat represents the USA’s worst performance at the tournament to date. They have never failed to reach the semi-finals before.
Under severe criticism at home for their lackluster performance, the USA team struggled. Their performance fell short of their World Cup-winning performances in 2015 and 2019. Manager Vlatko Andonovski made strategic changes, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Sweden.
Despite dominating the game and creating numerous opportunities, the USA was continually thwarted by Musovic’s exceptional goalkeeping. Even as the game went into extra time, the USA could not capitalize on their dominance.
The hopes of USA becoming the first nation to secure three consecutive World Cups have been dashed, ending their reign as the top women’s team worldwide.
Magnificent Musovic, the stalwart for Sweden
Sweden had a stellar run in Group G, winning all their matches. Facing the four-time world champions USA was a formidable challenge, but they came through, largely thanks to Musovic’s outstanding goalkeeping.
In the end, it was the penalty shootout that led to the most dramatic moments of the game, and it was here that the seemingly invincible USA team was finally defeated.
Player of the Match:
Zecira Musovic, Sweden
Average Rating: 9.22
Game Statistics:
Possession: Sweden 42%, USA 58%
Shots: Sweden 9, USA 22
Shots on Target: Sweden 1, USA 11
Corners: Sweden 3, USA 9
Fouls: Sweden 15, USA 11
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about USA Women’s World Cup 2023 Defeat
Who won the penalty shootout between the USA and Sweden at the Women’s World Cup 2023?
Sweden emerged victorious over the USA in the penalty shootout with a score of 5-4.
Who was the star player for Sweden in the match?
Zecira Musovic, the Swedish goalkeeper, was the star player of the match with an exceptional performance that held the USA at bay.
Who missed their penalty shots from the USA team?
Megan Rapinoe, Sophia Smith, and Kelley O’Hara from the USA team missed their shots during the penalty shootout.
What was significant about Megan Rapinoe’s performance in the match?
This match marked Megan Rapinoe’s last appearance on the global stage as she has announced her retirement at the end of this year. Unfortunately, she missed her shot in the penalty shootout.
Who will Sweden face in the quarterfinals?
Sweden will compete against Japan in the quarterfinals of the Women’s World Cup 2023.
How did the USA perform compared to their past performances in the tournament?
This defeat to Sweden represents the USA’s worst performance at the tournament to date. They had never failed to reach the semi-finals in past tournaments.
Who was declared the Player of the Match?
Zecira Musovic from Sweden was declared the Player of the Match.
More about USA Women’s World Cup 2023 Defeat
- FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
- Megan Rapinoe’s Career
- USA Women’s National Team
- Zecira Musovic’s Profile
- Sweden Women’s National Team
7 comments
really sad to see Rapinoe go out like this. she’s a legend, will be missed.
Great job Sweden!!! Musovic was on fire, no doubt she’s player of the match. We’re going all the way this year!
Musovic’s performance was absolutely stellar. Amazing game for her.
That was a nail-biter. congrats Sweden, well played. USA, better luck next time.
i cant believe USA lost! this is the first time they didn’t make it to the semis…
This defeat will be a real wake up call for the USA, they need to rethink their strategy for future tournaments.
Wow, i never saw this coming, USA seemed invincible! just goes to show anything can happen in soccer.