Vlatko Andonovski's decisions proved baffling again as the two-time reigning champion suffered its worst ever performance at the tournament
The United States women's national team suffered an incredible and dramatic Women's World Cup exit on Sunday, crashing out in the last 16 after a penalty shootout defeat to Sweden. The team has always at least made the semi-finals in this competition, making this elimination another historic and unwanted record that the reigning champion has collected in a dismal experience in Australia and New Zealand.
Sweden struggled to get a foothold in the game and so it was the U.S. who had the majority of chances throughout the match, with Lindsey Horan and Alex Morgan both denied in particularly impressive fashion by Zecira Musovic, who was absolutely incredible.
She went into the shootout with plenty of confidence, then, but she didn't need to make a save as Megan Rapinoe, Sophia Smith and Kelley O'Hara all failed to hit the target with their penalties. It was Lina Hurtig who won it for the Swedes, Alyssa Naeher appearing to save her effort only for goal-line technology to confirm it as a goal by the finest of margins.
GOAL rates the USWNT players at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium…
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Goalkeeper & Defence
Alyssa Naeher (7/10):
Dealt with the dangerous Sweden corners really well but didn't have much else to do until the shootout, in which she made a save to deny Blomqvist before scoring herself, too.
Emily Fox (7/10):
Covered plenty of ground to be an asset going forwards as well as strong at the back.
Julie Ertz (7/10):
Solid again, ensuring Sweden had very few chances.
Naomi Girma (8/10):
Looked brilliant again, as she has all tournament.
Crystal Dunn (6/10):
Struggled at times when put under pressure from Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, but did well overall.
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Midfield
Emily Sonnett (8/10):
Stepped into midfield excellently. The U.S. looked much more assured here and she was a huge reason why.
Andi Sullivan (7/10):
Looked much better with Sonnett beside her. Scored her penalty.
Lindsey Horan (6/10):
Battled well and took up good attacking positions, too, but should've got a goal. Was denied brilliantly by Musovic on two occasions. Scored from the spot in the shootout.
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Attack
Trinity Rodman (7/10):
The USWNT's liveliest forward in the first half, always looking dangerous until she was subbed off.
Alex Morgan (5/10):
Struggled to get involved. Had a big chance late on but was denied by Musovic.
Sophia Smith (5/10):
Was lively but her ability to harm Sweden felt limited out wide. Moved central when Rapinoe came on but couldn't get much of a look in as the game became even cagier in extra-time. Missed her penalty.
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Subs & Manager
Lynn Williams (6/10):
Replaced Rodman just beyond the hour and made an impact. Got involved a lot down the right.
Megan Rapinoe (4/10):
Came on for Morgan a few minutes into extra-time but was poor. First touch was lacking, set-piece deliveries failed to impress and she missed her penalty.
Kelley O'Hara (N/A):
Came on for the shootout and missed her spot-kick.
Kristie Mewis (N/A):
Came on for the shootout and didn't touch the ball until her penalty, but showed great composure to score it.
Vlatko Andonovski (5/10):
Tactical changes in midfield made a huge difference but a lack of substitutions again raised eyebrows. The USWNT was well on top in this match and should've put it to bed before extra-time, never mind in the shootout. Better management from the dug-out could have helped them do that, but Andonovski underwhelmed again.