August 05, (THEWILL) – In a gripping Women’s World Cup encounter, Sweden managed to knock out the defending champions, the United States, in a penalty shootout after the teams remained deadlocked at 0-0 following extra time on Sunday.
The shootout proved to be a madcap affair, with Lina Hurtig’s winning spot-kick requiring confirmation by VAR, despite US goalkeeper, Alyssa Naeher’s parry that almost kept the ball from crossing the line. Sweden’s goalkeeper, Zecira Musovic, emerged as the hero, making 11 crucial saves before the shootout to deny the Americans any goals.
Notably starved of possession for much of the match, the Swedes struggled to register a shot on goal until the 85th minute, when substitute Sofia Jakobsson’s effort was saved by Naeher.
The US introduced talismanic player, Megan Rapinoe, in extra time, hoping for a breakthrough, but she could not create a winner or a fairy-tale ending for the defending champions. In the penalty shootout, Rapinoe’s kick sailed over the bar, and Kelley Ohara’s shot hit the post, allowing Hurtig to seal Sweden’s victory and send the champions packing.
The loss marks the US team’s earliest exit in Women’s World Cup history after consistently making the semi-finals or better in previous editions.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
