06 August 2023 , 13:24
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The USWNT crashed out the 2023 Women’s World Cup on penalties as VAR revealed just how close the margin was as the Sweden penalty crossed the line.
Sweden came into the heavyweight contest with a 100 percent record of three wins from three in the group stage. and with victory over the US from the last high profile encounter between the teams at the Olympics in 2021.
Meanwhile, the USWNT had won their opening game against Vietnam but drew with the Netherlands and Portugal on their way to edging into the Round of 16. It was a nervy - and controversial - tournament for the reigning back-to-back world champions - and their exit was confirmed in brutal circumstances.
After Kelley O’Hara slammed her penalty against the woodwork, Lina Hurtig stepped up for Sweden. Her effort was originally saved by US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, but the ball ricocheted off her gloves and spun goalbound.
Naeher appeared to claw it off the line and keep it out, but VAR intervened and revealed Hurtig had actually scored. The USWNT were out, with Sweden condemning the giants to the earliest exit in their history.
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The United States had their chances. Alex Morgan, Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman and captain Lindsay Horan each came close but were denied by the inspired Swedish goalkeeper Zecira Musovic. The Chelsea ace enjoyed an incredible performance, making 11 saves as Sweden upset the pre-tournament favourites.
USWNT captain Horan was in tears as Sweden wheeled away in celebration, and she hit out at the concept of penalties after coming up short. She also pointed to the positive future, as the likes of Morgan and Megan Rapinoe have likely appeared at their final World Cup. Rapinoe has already confirmed she will retire at the end of the domestic season, so this was likely her last appearance for the US.
USWNT goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher came agonisingly close to saving Lina Hurtig's penalty - and VAR revealed just how tight it was“A lot went into this performance, we were confident and patient and played beautiful football,” Horan told ITV. “We created chances, we didn't score and to be frank penalties suck.
“I’m proud of every player who stepped up to take one. I'm very proud of my team”
When asked if the USWNT were adequately up for the occasion following a dismal group stage showing, Horan added: “You just saw it on the field today. Getting out of the group stages and changing it to this performance... There are so many young players coming through and are absolutely killing it.”
Sweden will face Japan in the quarterfinals on Friday at the Eden Park Outer Oval in Auckland, New Zealand.