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Sweden Knock USWNT Out Of Women's World Cup In Penalty Shootout Decided By VAR Review

Sweden knocked the USA out of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup after a penalty shootout was decided by a VAR review that confirmed the ball had crossed the line.

Robert Summerscales

Sweden Knock USWNT Out Of Women's World Cup In Penalty Shootout Decided By VAR Review
Sweden Knock USWNT Out Of Women's World Cup In Penalty Shootout Decided By VAR Review /

The United States have been knocked out of a FIFA Women's World Cup before the semi-final stage for the first time ever.

Sweden beat the four-time champions in a penalty shootout on Sunday following 120 minutes of goalless play in their round of 16 game in Melbourne.

Sweden players pictured celebrating after beating the USA in a penalty shootout at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup
Sweden beat the USA in a penalty shootout in the round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup :: IMAGO/TT/Pontus Lundahl

The USWNT - who had been aiming to win a third consecutive Women's World Cup this summer - dominated the contest during both regular time and extra time.

But the likes of Alex Morgan, Lindsey Horan, Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman were all unable to find a way past Sweden keeper Zecira Musovic.

Sweden goalkeeper Zecira Musovic pictured making a save during a game against the USWNT at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup
Chelsea goalkeeper Zecira Musovic was Sweden's star performer in Melbourne :: IMAGO/TT/Pontus Lundahl

Chelsea stopper Musovic pulled off 11 saves during the two hours that preceded the shootout, while USA stopper Alyssa Naeher made just one.

Musovic did not save any penalties though. She was beaten by Andi Sullivan, Horan, Kristie Mewis and goalkeeper Naeher in the shootout.

But Megan Rapinoe, Smith and Kelley O'Hara all missed the target for the USA.

Nathalie Bjorn and Rebecka Blomqvist also missed for Sweden, but Fridolina Rolfo, Elin Rubensson, Hanna Bennison, Magdalena Eriksson and Lina Hurtig were all on target in a famous win.

Hurtig's winning penalty initially appeared to have been saved by Naeher but a VAR review found that the ball had narrowly crossed the line before the USA keeper clawed it away.

SEE MORE: How Far Over The Line Was Lina Hurtig's Penalty Kick Against USWNT?

Highlights: Sweden 0-0 USA (5-4 On Penalties)

Published
Robert Summerscales
ROBERT SUMMERSCALES

Robert Summerscales launched FanNation Futbol in February 2022. Rob is a British journalist who previously spent two years on the sports desk at the Daily Mail in London, having earlier served as editor of CaughtOffside.com. He has been to the last two FIFA Men's World Cups, in Russia and Qatar, and is looking forward to completing his hat-trick in North America in 2026.