The United States are out of the Women’s World Cup after the defending champions were knocked out on penalties by Sweden at the last-16 stage in a dramatic shoot-out.
After a goalless 120 minutes which were dominated by the USA, Lina Hurtig’s penalty to win the tie required VAR to rule it had crossed the line, after Alyssa Naeher thought she had saved the USA’s World Cup defence.
USA forward Sophia Smith had missed the chance to win the match from the spot earlier in the shoot-out, blazing wide after Naeher saved Rebecka Blomqvist’s effort.
Sweden were saved by an outstanding performance from Zecira Muscovic after the USA dominated the goal-scoring chances, with the goalkeeper producing stunning stops to deny Lindsey Horan’s curling shot and Alex Morgan’s late header to force extra-time.
Follow live updates from USA vs Sweden as the World Cup last-16 continues.
