 The United States will not defend their Women's World Cup crown after crashing out of the tournament in an astonishing penalty shootout in the last 16 as Sweden pulled off a famous smash-and-grab. Although the USA produced their best display since touching down in Australia and dictated the contest, they could not find a way past the superb Zecira Musovic before losing the contest on penalties, with Sweden now facing Japan in the quarter-finals. The holders went into the match after three underwhelming performances in the group stages – drawing two of them – but gave a much-improved display in Melbourne on Sunday. They dominated possession and chances in the first half against the No.3 ranked side in the world and came closest to finding a breakthrough when Lindsey Horan powered a header against the crossbar in the 35th minute. Sweden, who strolled into the knockout stages with maximum points, only mustered one attempt on goal in the first 45 minutes and had just three touches in the USA's penalty box. That pattern continued after the restart and Horan once again went close to opening the scoring, latching onto a low cross into the box and rifling an effort towards the far corner that was brilliantly pawed away by Musovic. Lyon star Horan, playing just behind Alex Morgan, was central to all of the defending champions' best attacking play, pulling strings and working openings, while Sweden's threat seemed limited to set-pieces. It was not until the 85th minute that the Scandinavians had their first shot on target in the match, with Sofia Jakobsson firing an effort straight down the throat of Alyssa Naeher after a quick break. As happened against Portugal, when the USA were the width of the post away from being knocked out, the holders looked a little nervy as the seconds ticked away but almost grabbed a late winner only for Morgan to be denied by another excellent save from Musovic as the match went){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
The United States will not defend their Women’s World Cup crown after crashing out of the tournament in an astonishing penalty shootout in the last 16 as Sweden pulled off a famous smash-and-grab.
Although the USA produced their best display since touching down in Australia and dictated the contest, they could not find a way past the superb Zecira Musovic before losing the contest on penalties.
Lina Hurtig’s winning spot-kick created a moment that will go down in history, with USA goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher appearing to have saved the attempt only for the ball to drift back over the line.
There was confusion in the stadium while referee Stephanie Frappart consulted with VAR, with goal-line technology revealing that the ball had crossed the line by the smallest of margins.