The USWNT was left in stunned disbelief following a heartbreaking loss in the round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Following a scoreless draw through the first two halves of play, neither team was able to find the back of the net in extra time either, resulting in a penalty-kick shootout.
Following a miss off over the bar by Sweden’s Nathalie Bjorn on her team’s third attempt, with the score tied at two in penalties, the USWNT’s Megan Rapinoe had a chance to seize control but missed over the bar as well.
The USWNT had the opportunity to win it shortly after that, though, as late Sweden substitute Rebecka Blomqvist had her attempt saved, leaving Sophia Smith with a chance to win. But she missed just wide. Shortly after that, U.S. goalie Alyssa Naeher made her penalty kick, but teammate Kelley O’Hara hit the post to give Sweden a chance to win it with the score tied at 4-4.
And then this happened:
The most incredible end to a match, I've ever seen. Holders and favourites, #USA BEATEN by #Sweden by penalty shootout, sudden death stage, decided by VAR. Unbelievable!#WomensWorldCup #FIFAWomensWorldCup2023 #worldcup2023 #uswnt #swe pic.twitter.com/JYVwo6qlL1
— You deserve a holiday (@Holi_blog) August 6, 2023
The penalty was looked at by VAR and determined to be a goal, giving Sweden the victory and sending the USWNT home with its earliest loss in World Cup history.
The #USWNT after losing on penalties to Sweden. #USAvsSWE #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/i5oIEXCii3
— Dennis Nguyen (@pastorpapi23) August 6, 2023
Vlatko arriving to U.S Soccer Federation headquarters #USWNT pic.twitter.com/hufuYxaYym
— Christian (@OGKINGZCHRIS) August 6, 2023
IT'S CALLED FOOTBALL 🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪
— JAKE BUCKLEY 🇦🇺 (@TheMasterBucks) August 6, 2023
She just missed her penalty kick and she smiled and laughed WTF????? #USWNT pic.twitter.com/P80zEDDuWi
— Norm Tweeter (@TweeterNorm) August 6, 2023
Sweden’s goalkeeper was amazing the entire game..give her the flowers
— Mike Ng (@mikeng_12) August 6, 2023
Naeher appreciation tweet! Aggressive and composed during regular time, made a clutch PK, and pulled off a seriously impossible save in the penalty shootout. Ultimate #keeperlife moment that she wasn’t rewarded for it. I am GUTTED for her 😭♥️ #USWNT pic.twitter.com/bgNKaTFJ83
— ✨Jenn ✨ (@jenn_andd_tonic) August 6, 2023
The US could not find a goal in open play against Holland.
— Ellston Logan (@EllstonLogan) August 6, 2023
Could not find a goal in open play against Portugal.
Could not find a goal in open play against Sweden.
Even if we were the better team tonight, this team can have no complaints about going home. #USWNT
Just set an alarm at 3 am to get my heartbroken #USWNT pic.twitter.com/88O87L8CU5
— Javi Salome (@RepTARDIS) August 6, 2023
