US knocked out of Women's World Cup in stunning exit
The United States was eliminated from the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup on Sunday, after Sweden pulled off a stunning upset in penalty kicks to send the tournament's odds-on favorites home.
While the U.S. had uncharacteristically struggled in the opening group stage, they came out of the starting gate strong in their first knockout game. The Americans had the advantage throughout the match in time of possession, according to the official FIFA game log. They also dominated scoring chances, beating the Swedes in attempts on goal 21 to seven.
However, the U.S. faced a formidable wall in Swedish goalkeeper Zećira Mušović, who kept the Americans on their toes time and time again. Despite a flurry of chances, the U.S. was unable to get anything past Mušović. The Swedes, though, were likewise unable to get the ball past American goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, and the game went into penalty kicks following a scoreless match.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
In penalty kicks, the game remained deadlocked as it has been, with Sweden and the U.S. eventually coming even at 4-4. Sweden then had the chance to win, and Lina Hurtig's strike appeared to be stopped on the goal line by Naeher. But after a review, it was clear the ball had entered the net, handing Sweden the win and sending them to the next round against Japan.
The U.S. were the clear favorites to win the entire tournament, and were looking to claim their third World Cup in a row. Instead, Sunday's elimination marks the team's earliest-ever exit from the competition.
"I am proud of the women on the field," U.S. Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski said after the game, per ESPN. I think we came out today and showed the grit, the resilience, the fight. The bravery showed we did everything we could to win the game. Unfortunately, soccer can be cruel sometimes."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other Hollywood news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.
-
Sudan's forgotten pyramids
Under the Radar Brutal civil war and widespread looting threatens African nation's ancient heritage
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
'Being more nuanced will not be easy for public health agencies'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Where did Democratic voters go?
Voter turnout dropped sharply for Democrats in 2024
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Europe roiled by attacks on Israeli soccer fans
Speed Read Israeli fans supporting the Maccabi Tel Aviv team clashed with pro-Palestinian protesters in 'antisemitic attacks,' Dutch authorities said
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
New York wins WNBA title, nearly nabs World Series
Speed Read The Yankees with face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the upcoming Fall Classic
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Cricket is swiftly becoming America's new obsession
In the Spotlight Team USA recently shocked the world by beating Pakistan in the Men's World Cup
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Caitlin Clark the No. 1 pick in bullish WNBA Draft
Speed Read As expected, she went to the Indiana Fever
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
South Carolina ends perfect season with NCAA title
Speed Read The women's basketball team won a victory over superstar Caitlin Clark's Iowa Hawkeyes
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Iowa's Caitlin Clark breaks NCAA scoring record
speed read College basketball star Caitlin Clark set the new record in Iowa's defeat of Ohio State
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Eight-year-old Brit Bodhana Sivanandan makes chess history
Speed Read Sivanandan has been described as a 'phenomenon' by chess masters
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup: glitz, glamour and 'grimly inevitable'
Talking Point Critics claim country is guilty of sportswashing as it stands unopposed to host tournament
By Julia O'Driscoll, The Week UK Published