August 6th 2023.
On Sunday, there was astonishing drama in Melbourne at the Women's World Cup. The United States could not defend their title as Sweden pulled off a famous victory in the last 16 after a penalty shootout.
The holders put on an improved display after three underwhelming performances in the group stages. The US dominated possession and chances in the first half and almost found a breakthrough when Lindsey Horan powered a header against the crossbar. Sweden only mustered one attempt on goal in the first 45 minutes and had just three touches in the penalty box.
The pattern continued after the restart and Horan once again went close to scoring. However, it was not until the 85th minute that the Scandinavians had their first shot on target in the match, with Sofia Jakobsson firing an effort at Alyssa Naeher.
The US almost grabbed a late winner, only for Alex Morgan to be denied by an excellent save from Zecira Musovic. The holders had total control and Lynn Williams and Sophia Smith both forced Musovic into fine saves.
The tie went to penalties and Nancy Bjorn and Megan Rapinoe both missed back-to-back penalties before Rebecka Blomqvist’s effort was saved. Sophia Smith had the chance to seal USA’s passage to the quarter-finals but she also skied her effort high over the bar. Hanna Bennison then thumped home the decisive penalty which sent Sweden through to the quarter-finals.
In the day’s earlier match, the Netherlands booked a quarter-final showdown against Spain after surviving a number of scares in a 2-0 win over South Africa. Jill Roord opened the scoring early on with a header from close range, but the Dutch were indebted to goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar for maintaining their narrow lead. The game was eventually wrapped up when Lineth Beerensteyn's tame effort from 20 yards was let through by Kaylin Swart. The Netherlands will now take on Spain in Wellington on Friday but will be without midfielder Danielle van de Donk, who is suspended after picking up a second yellow card.
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