The United States were eliminated from the Women's World Cup by Sweden on penalties (5-4) in the last 16 after a 0-0 stalemate during regular and extra time.
A dramatic ending saw Sophia Smith, Kelley O’Hara and Megan Rapinoe miss their attempts to hand the victory to Sweden.
Head coach Vlatko Andonosvki made formation changes to the starting lineup, opting for a 4-2-3-1 and introducing Emily Sonnett to the midfield for the first time this tournament. The adjustments served the American team well, appearing more connected and unified than in any previous performance. Sonnett’s inclusion in particular provided a much-needed structure in the midfield to stabilize the team as a whole and inspire offensive transitions.
Trinity Rodman and Lindsey Horan both saw opportunities at goal, but the US failed to convert any close efforts in the first half. The captain maintained the momentum following the half-time whistle, rocketing a shot before Swedish goalkeeper Zećira Mušović made a fantastic effort to send the ball wide. The USWNT continuously pushed toward the final third, but simply couldn't find the goal.
Mušović proved absolutely vital for Sweden, denying every opportunity by the American team to force extra time at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. And her stellar performance continued through to penalties.
The Swedish finally made history by triumphing in the first set of penalties of the tournament to eliminate the reigning champions.
United States player ratings vs Sweden (4-2-3-1)
GK: Alyssa Naeher - 9/10 - Made saves throughout the match, penalties and scored her own. Cannot ask much more of her.
RB: Emily Fox - 8/10 - A solid performance, dependable at the back but aggressive pushing forward.
CB: Julie Ertz - 8/10 - Another great showing alongside Girma, crazy to think this duo hadn't played together before the WC.
CB: Naomi Girma - 9/10 - Everything everywhere all at once. But really, a constant great throughout the pitch in every World Cup game.
LB: Crystal Dunn - 6.5/10 - Wildly inconsistent. Looked lost on several occasions while making critical defensive errors.
CM: Emily Sonnett - 8/10 - A great addition to the starting lineup. Provided much-needed stability to the midfield while being dependable on defense. Also connected well with Sullivan.
DM: Andi Sullivan - 7.5/10 - Arguably her best game yet, working seamlessly well with Sonnett. Also scored her penalty.
CM: Lindsey Horan (c) - 7/10 - A couple of goalscoring opportunities, but nothing should mask the small errors made to lose the ball. But scored her penalty.
RW: Trinity Rodman - 8/10 - On a minutes restriction otherwise would've stayed on, but she was one of the best players on the pitch for 60+ minutes. A creative force on the attack, managed a couple opportunities.
ST: Alex Morgan - 6/10 - Practically invisible yet again. A terrible tournament from the veteran.
LW: Sophia Smith - 7.5/10 - Lacked impact. She fended off defenders and inspired slight creative moments, but the player was nowhere near the level the USWNT needed her to be. Missed clinical finishes and her penalty.
Substitutes
Lynn Williams (65' for Rodman) - 7/10 - A fresh pair of legs and her speed should've inspired the goal, but her crosses were constantly met by no one.
Megan Rapinoe (98' for Morgan) - 4/10 - Looked off tune when shooting and missed her penalty.
Kristie Mewis (119' for Morgan) - 10/10 - Came in, scored her penalty.
Kelley O'Hara (119' for Morgan) - 1/10 - Came off the bench to miss her penalty.
Manager
Vlatko Andonovski - 5/10 - No subs yet again. A terrible showing.
Player of the match - Naomi Girma
This article was originally published on 90min as United States 0-0 Sweden: Player ratings as USWNT eliminated from World Cup on penalties.
