“They were cocky; Completely insane”- Social media stunned after Sweden eliminates defending FIFA Women’s World Cup champions USWNT on penalties

All eyes on Sweden now after they have done the unthinkable.

“They were cocky; Completely insane”- Social media stunned after Sweden eliminates defending FIFA Women’s World Cup champions USWNT on penalties

USWNT (Credit: Getty)

Sweden has knocked out defending Champions USA out of the Women’s World Cup. They faced each other in the Round of 16. Swedish manager Peter Gerhardsson made nine changes to the team which faced Argentina as he had fielded a weaker side there. It was because they had already qualified for the knockout stages. USA’s coach Vlatko Andonovski made two changes, Emily Sonnett for Rose Lavelle who was suspended in the previous game, and Trinity Rodman for Lynn Williams.

During the first half, neither of the teams could produce sufficient chances. USA had an opportunity through a header by Lindsey Horan which she couldn’t finish. Rodman’s efforts to score were also saved by the goalkeeper. Sweden on the other hand couldn’t manage a shot on target the whole half. The second half also yielded similar results, with the USA getting close on multiple occasions with an Alex Morgan header.

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The Americans were the better team for much of the game but couldn’t score. Extra time couldn’t confirm the results either. Thus, the teams went into the penalty shootouts. Both teams converted the first two chances. Kristie Mewis managed to score the third for the USA but Sweden’s Nathalie Bjorn missed. But, Megan Rapinoe couldn’t take advantage of this and missed it too. The next two penalties also resulted in misses, until Magdalena Erikkson scored for Sweden.

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Then, Kelley O’Hara missed her shot. Sweden had to score to win the game. Lina Hurtig stepped up to take it. Alyssa Naeher initially blocked the shot but it went past her which she had to clear off the line. But the referee awarded Sweden the goal. Finally resulting in the Swede’s victory, knocking the USWNT out of the tournament.

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Twitter reacts to USA vs Sweden

USWMT
USWNT (Credit: Getty)

The internet reacted to the game with disappointment at USA‘s loss. Many highlighted the intensity of the game. But many of the fans expressed their shock as they couldn’t believe that USWNT have been knocked out.

https://twitter.com/Emini_Sir_Kay/status/1688158094629470208
https://twitter.com/Emini_Sir_Kay/status/1688155131882139648

The 2023 World Cup will see a new Champion as defending Champions USA were eliminated. They had also won the competition in 2015. Meanwhile it will be interesting to see how far Sweden can go.

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