Sports

U.S. eliminated from Women’s World Cup in heartbreaking loss to Sweden

Published

3 years ago

August 6, 2023

United States players react after losing to Sweden during the Round of 16 at the Women's World Cup on Aug. 6, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia.

U.S. eliminated from Women’s World Cup in heartbreaking loss to Sweden

The United States has been eliminated from the Women’s World Cup after a heartbreaking loss to Sweden in the Round of 16.

The defending champions lost on penalty kicks 5-4, with the final dagger barely breaking the plane of the goal to send Sweden to the next round.

The Americans’ bid to win an unprecedented third consecutive title ended when Lina Hurtig converted to send the U.S. home after a scoreless draw. It is the earliest exit in tournament history for the United States, the two-time reigning champions and four-time winners.

“We didn’t put anything in the back of the net,” sobbed Julie Ertz after the loss. “The penalties were tough. It’s just emotional because it’s probably my last game ever. It’s just tough. It’s an emotional time. It obviously sucks. Penalties are the worst.”

U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher fruitlessly argued she had saved Hurtig’s attempt, but it was ruled over the line. The stadium played Abba’s “Dancing Queen” in the stadium as the Swedes celebrated.

The United States was eliminated in the Round of 16 for the first time in team history. The American’s worst finish had been third place, three times.

The loss was somewhat expected based on the Americans’ listless play through three group stage matches. But they played their best game of this World Cup against Sweden, only to have it decided by penalties.

“I am proud of the women on the field,” said U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski. “I know we were criticized for the way we played, and for different moments in the group stage. I think we came out today and showed the grit, the resilience, the fight. The bravery showed we did everything we could to win the game. And, unfortunately, soccer can be cruel sometimes.”

READ ALSO:

It was the first match at this World Cup to go to extra time.

It was the was the fourth time the Americans went to extra time at the World Cup. All three previous matches went to penalties, including the 2011 final won by Japan. The U.S. won on penalties in a 2011 quarterfinal match against Brazil, and in the 1999 final at the final at the Rose Bowl against China.

Sweden knocked the United States out of the 2016 Olympics in the quarterfinals on penalties.

Sweden goes on to the quarterfinals to play Japan, the 2011 World Cup winner, which defeated Norway 3-1 on Saturday night.

Sweden has never won a major international tournament, either the World Cup or the Olympics. The closest the team has come is World Cup runner-up in 2003. They finished in third in the 1999, 2011 and 2019 editions, and won silver medals in the last two Olympics.

The result ended the international career of United States star Megan Rapinoe, who said this would be her last World Cup. She had taken on a smaller role for the Americans in her final tournament and was a substitute in the United States’ first and third games of group play, and didn’t get off the bench in the middle match.

She came on in extra time against Sweden and in her final game and few minutes of action, she failed to control a ball played in deep, whiffed on a rebound, hit the side of the net with a corner and then missed the penalty that would have won the game for the United States.

The Americans struggled through group play with just four goals in three matches. They were nearly eliminated last Tuesday by first-timers Portugal, but eked out a 0-0 draw to fall to second in their group for just the second time at a World Cup.

READ ALSO:

The Americans looked far better against Sweden, dominating possession and outshooting the Swedes 5-1 in the first half alone. Lindsey Horan’s first-half header hit the crossbar and a second-half blast was saved by goalkeeper Zecira Musovic, who had six saves in regulation.

Sweden won all three of their group games, including a 5-0 rout of Italy in its final group match. Coach Peter Gerhardsson made nine lineup changes for the match, resting his starters in anticipation of the United States.

It was tense from the opening whistle.

Naeher punched the ball away from a crowded goal on an early Sweden corner kick. Three of the Swedes’ goals against Italy came on set pieces.

Trinity Rodman’s shot from distance in the 18th minute was easily caught by Musovic, who stopped another chance by Rodman in the 27th.

Horan’s header off Andi Sullivan’s corner in the 34th hit the crossbar and skipped over the goal. Horan was on target in the 53rd minute but Musovic dove to push it wide. Horan crouched to the field in frustration while Musovic was swarmed by her teammates.

The United States was without Rose Lavelle, who picked up her second yellow card of the tournament in the group stage finale against Portugal and has to sit out against Sweden.

In Lavelle’s absence, Andonovski started Emily Sonnett, who was making her first start for the team since 2022. The addition of Sonnett allowed Horan to move up higher in the midfield.

Sweden pressed in the final 10 minutes of regulation. Sofia Jakobsson, who came in as a substitute in the 81st minute, nearly scored in the 85th but Naeher managed to catch it for her first save of the tournament.

U.S. eliminated from Women’s World Cup in heartbreaking loss to Sweden

cbsnews

Related Topics:Featured Sweden United States Women's World Cup

Up Next

Arsenal defeat Man City, win Community Shield

Don't Miss

Nigeria’s D’Tigress beat Senegal to win 4th Afrobasket championship

Sports

FIFA Ranking: Super Falcons Rise to 36th, Retain Africa’s No. 1 Position

Published

4 hours ago

April 21, 2026

Trends Admin

FIFA Ranking: Super Falcons Rise to 36th, Retain Africa’s No. 1 Position

Nigeria’s women’s national team, the Nigeria women’s national football team, have moved up to 36th position in the latest FIFA Women’s World Ranking, maintaining their status as the highest-ranked women’s football team in Africa.

The updated ranking released by FIFA on Tuesday shows a slight improvement from 37th place in December 2025, reflecting steady progress in recent international performances and preparations for upcoming competitions.

The ranking update also factors in Nigeria’s recent pre-Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) friendly matches against Cameroon. The Super Falcons recorded a 1–0 defeat in February 2026 but responded strongly with a convincing 3–1 victory in March 2026.

In the second encounter, Nigeria produced a more dominant display after an early setback in the first match. Chinwendu Ihezuo equalised in the 32nd minute with a header from a precise cross by Rinsola Babajide.

Just before half-time, Babajide turned scorer, finishing from close range after a goalmouth scramble to give Nigeria a 2–1 lead. The Super Falcons sealed the win in the 64th minute when Michelle Alozie powered in a header from a delivery by captain Rasheedat Ajibade.

READ ALSO:

The result boosted Nigeria’s FIFA ranking points by 3.35, bringing their total to 1602 in April 2026. However, the team remains slightly below the 1607 points recorded in December 2025.

Despite this minor dip in points, the Super Falcons continue to dominate African women’s football, staying ahead of rivals South Africa, Ghana, and Morocco, who are ranked 58th, 59th, and 62nd respectively in the world.

The Super Falcons’ consistency reinforces their reputation as the most successful women’s national team in Africa, with a record number of Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles and regular appearances at global tournaments.

On the global stage, Spain remain top of the FIFA Women’s Ranking, followed by the United States, England, Germany, and Japan, underscoring the competitive gap between elite European teams and African sides.

The latest ranking is expected to boost morale within the Nigerian squad as they continue preparations for upcoming qualifiers and major international competitions.

FIFA Ranking: Super Falcons Rise to 36th, Retain Africa’s No. 1 Position

Sports

Man City Beat Arsenal 2–1 to Ignite Premier League Title Race

Published

1 day ago

April 20, 2026

Trends Admin

Manchester City Stun Liverpool at Anfield with 93rd-Minute Winner

Man City Beat Arsenal 2–1 to Ignite Premier League Title Race

Manchester City produced a crucial 2–1 victory over Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium to tighten the Premier League title race, leaving the champions just three points behind with a game in hand.

The result has intensified the battle for the EPL title, as both sides continue to push for top spot in one of the most closely contested seasons in recent years.

Manchester City started brightly in the high-stakes encounter, creating early pressure and testing Arsenal’s defence with quick attacking transitions. The breakthrough came through Rayan Cherki, who produced a moment of individual brilliance inside the penalty area after earlier hitting the post. His skillful control and composed finish put City ahead in front of their home fans.

READ ALSO:

Arsenal responded almost immediately, equalising just 107 seconds later in a dramatic twist. A mistake from City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma led to a rushed clearance that struck Kai Havertz and deflected into the net, restoring parity in a tense first half.

The second half remained highly competitive, with both teams creating major chances. Erling Haaland hit the post for City, while Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze also went close as momentum swung back and forth.

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães later saw a header deflected onto the post, and Havertz missed a clear scoring opportunity that could have given Arsenal the lead.

City eventually found the decisive goal through Haaland, who reacted quickest inside the box to finish from close range and restore City’s advantage. His strike proved to be the match-winner in a tightly contested title showdown.

Despite late pressure from Arsenal, Manchester City held firm defensively, managing the game with experience and control to secure a vital three points.

The victory significantly tightens the Premier League title race, with City now only three points behind Arsenal and holding a game in hand, setting up a dramatic conclusion to the season.

Man City Beat Arsenal 2–1 to Ignite Premier League Title Race

Sports

Former NFF President Ibrahim Galadima Dies at 74

Published

2 days ago

April 19, 2026

Trends Admin

Former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Galadima

Former NFF President Ibrahim Galadima Dies at 74

Former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Galadima, has died at the age of 74.

Galadima, one of Nigeria’s most respected football administrators, passed away on Saturday, leaving behind a legacy that significantly shaped the country’s domestic football structure and sports governance.

He led the then Nigeria Football Association (now NFF) between 2002 and 2006, a period widely regarded as influential in the development of football administration in the country.

His death has triggered widespread tributes from across the Nigerian football community, with current NFF President Ibrahim Gusau describing him as a mentor and father figure to many sports administrators.

Gusau said Galadima’s leadership was marked by integrity, discipline, and commitment to the growth of Nigerian football.

“Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima was a mentor to so many of us in various leadership positions in Nigerian sports today. He was the epitome of high dignity, diligence, and integrity,” Gusau said.

READ ALSO:

He added that Galadima’s guidance and fatherly counsel would be deeply missed by the Nigerian football family.

Galadima, born on June 14, 1951, in Kano State, had a long career in sports administration and public service. He previously served as chairman of the Kano State Football Association and executive chairman of the Kano State Sports Council, and also held the position of first vice president of the Nigeria Olympic Committee.

He also served in various political roles in Kano State, including Commissioner for Social Welfare, Youth and Sports, as well as Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport.

Former Super Eagles captain and Kano Pillars general manager Ahmed Musa also paid tribute, describing Galadima as a father figure and key architect in the development of Kano Pillars Football Club.

“Alhaji Galadima was more than just a football administrator; he was a father figure, a mentor, and a pillar of the game in Nigeria,” Musa wrote on X.

Musa added that Galadima’s vision played a key role in shaping Kano Pillars FC and nurturing young talents who went on to represent Nigeria at various levels.

Across the football community, Galadima is remembered for his contributions to sports development, talent discovery, and institutional growth within Nigerian football.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in accordance with Islamic rites.