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USA, Sweden enter extra time scoreless in World Cup knockout round
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The United States is taking on Sweden on Sunday in a World Cup knockout match pitting the reigning champions against a hard-charging team on a winning streak.
The scoreboard was still blank at the end of 90 minutes of regulation play, despite the U.S. squad having several close calls. That marked the United States’ fourth-ever World Cup game entering extra time, with all three prior going all the way to penalties.
Swedish goalkeeper Zecira Musovic made a few big saves, including stopping a strong charge by Alex Morgan in the final moment of regulation play.
Megan Rapinoe of the U.S. waits to be substituted at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne, Australia, on August 6, 2023.
Hannah Mckay/Reuters
Megan Rapinoe, the star U.S. midfielder, entered the game in the eighth minute of extra time, with the scoreboard still blank. She was a member of previous World Cup-winning squads and this tournament is expected to be her last as a player.
The first half of play had been controlled by the U.S. team, which monopolized possession and had at least two shots on goal to Sweden’s zero. But the score was nil-nil at the midway point.
Sweden’s Zecira Musovic in action with Alex Morgan of the U.S. in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on August 6, 2023.
Hannah Mckay/Reuters
By midway through the second half, Sweden began to apply more pressure, with possession evening out. They put together a few set pieces that were closer to success than they’d had previously, but they still struggled to finish.
The U.S. squad wasn’t on its back foot, however, as they were still getting more chances on goal than their rivals, with two more shots on target.
United States’ Julie Ertz heads the ball during the Women’s World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Sweden and the United States in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023.
Hamish Blair/AP
Sweden’s first shot on goal came in the 85th minute.
The U.S. squad were the favorites entering the tournament, having won the last two World Cups, held in 2019 and 2015. They were also top of the pile in 1999 and 1991.
United States’ Andi Sullivan, left, and Sweden’s Kosovare Asllani, center, compete for the ball during the Women’s World Cup Round of 16 soccer match in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023.
Scott Barbour/AP
But their footwork in the group stage didn’t equate to many goals, or victories. They handily beat Vietnam in a 3-0 match, but their matches against the Netherlands and Portugal both ended in draws.
They exited the round with five points, trailing the Netherlands by two. This was the first time in Women’s World Cup history that the U.S. earned fewer than six points during the group stage.
U.S. and Sweden play in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Round of 16 in Melbourne, Australia, August 6, 2023.
Hannah Mckay/Reuters
Sweden, which was ranked third in the tournament, was the runner up in 2003, their top placement since the initial 1991 tournament.
They topped their group with nine points after handily trouncing Argentina, Italy and South Africa. Only two other teams, England and Japan, left the group round undefeated.
United States fans outside the stadium before the Sweden vs. United States match on August 6, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia.
Hannah Mckay/Reuters
The United States and Sweden have played each other in every Women’s World Cup since 2003.
“It wouldn’t be a major tournament if we weren’t facing Sweden,” said Lindsey Horan, the U.S. captain.
Megan Rapinoe of the U.S. and teammates inside the stadium before their FIFA Women’s World Cup Round of 16 match against Sweden in Melbourne, Australia, August 6, 2023.
Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/Reuters
She and Sophia Smith have so far been the USWNT’s leading scorers, each netting two. No other player scored in the group stage. Rose Lavelle sat out the match out after earning a yellow card accumulation suspension.
The Round of 16 match began at 7 p.m. local time, or 5 a.m. ET, at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.
The winner faces Japan in the quarterfinals.
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