The US Loses To Sweden In Penalties, Ending Their Women’s World Cup

The United States played their best game of the Women’s World Cup, but could not finish their chances, before losing in penalties.

The US was clearly the better side throughout the match. The US hit the post and had two point blank shots in regular time saved brilliantly by the Swedish goalkeeper Musovic. Musovic later saved an Alex Morgan shot early in overtime.

Criticized for their lackluster play in the group stage, the US looked much sharper in this round of 16 game. Their passes were precise and their touch was much better. It was clear that the US Women were going to take the new lease on life they received after narrowly escaping the group stage.

But in the sport of soccer, singular moments are the difference makers in games. You can play horribly, but defend resolutely and nick a goal and a win. Conversely, you can play extremely well but not finish your chances and fall prey to a singular goal against.

Consequently, analysis of play, especially in tournament soccer, is heavily colored by results. With that being said, the US played better in this game than any of their group stage games by some distance. Part of that is because their group stage games had been so abject. But the US also played well in their own right this game. Subbing Megan Rapinoe into the match was puzzling though, particularly after her poor performances against Vietnam and Portugal. She went on to miss her penalty kick.

Sweden’s winning penalty kick was initially saved, the ball popping up into the air and after VAR review, crossing the line by less than a centimeter before US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher could push it out. The US goes out having only allowed 1 goal in the tournament. Sweden will next play Japan in the quarterfinals.