Lina Hurtig’s ice-cold penalty kick on Sunday sealed Sweden’s exceptional victory over the United States, dumping the reigning champions out of the Women’s World Cup in an epic penalty shootout, concluding 5-4 in favor of the Swedes after a tense goalless draw.
The dramatic second unfolded within the dying minutes of additional time, because the U.S. goalkeeper, Alyssa Naeher, contested that she had thwarted Hurtig’s try, however alas, the choice was made, and the stadium erupted right into a joyous celebration set to the rhythm of Abba’s timeless anthem, “Dancing Queen.”
For the Americans, this spherical of 16 exit marked a historic low, contemplating their illustrious file of 4 World Cup titles, and their bid for an unprecedented third consecutive crown had fallen brief.
The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT)’s worst earlier end had been a good third place, which that they had secured on three events.
This riveting match not solely was the primary on this World Cup to enterprise into further time, but it surely additionally continued a pattern for the USWNT, being the fourth time in World Cup historical past that their destiny hung within the steadiness throughout further minutes.
History appeared to favor penalties for the Stars and Stripes, contemplating their previous experiences, together with the memorable 2011 closing in opposition to Japan and the nail-biting quarterfinal conflict with Brazil in the identical 12 months, each determined of their favor from the spot.
Not forgetting the 1999 closing in opposition to China on the Rose Bowl, the place they triumphed in a penalty shootout.
However, this time, it was Sweden’s flip to make historical past, vanquishing the American giants with their nerves of metal.
And this was not the primary time the Swedes had despatched the U.S. packing on penalties, as that they had pulled off an analogous feat through the 2016 Olympics’ quarterfinals.
As the Swedes advance to the quarterfinals, they set their sights on Japan, the 2011 World Cup champions, who secured a commanding 3-1 victory in opposition to Norway the earlier evening.
Sweden, regardless of being famend for his or her prowess, have but to style victory in a serious worldwide event, be it the World Cup or the Olympics.
Their closest brush with glory was in 2003 once they completed as World Cup runners-up.
Nevertheless, their constant podium finishes in 1999, 2011, and 2019, together with silver medals within the final two Olympics, show that they’re a pressure to be reckoned with.
As for the American contingent, their journey by the group stage was something however clean, managing to internet simply 4 targets in three matches.
They even flirted with catastrophe of their encounter with Portugal, dealing with the actual prospect of elimination.
But they fought tooth and nail to safe a nerve-wracking 0-0 draw, simply sufficient to clinch the second spot of their group, marking solely the second time in World Cup historical past they settled for something lower than the highest place.
Their fortunes gave the impression to be turning round in opposition to Sweden, the place they displayed their signature attacking model, dominating possession and unleashing a barrage of pictures on aim.
In the primary half alone, they outshot their opponents 5-1, with Lindsey Horan’s header hitting the crossbar, and one other thunderous try thwarted by the good Swedish goalkeeper, Zecira Musovic.
The absence of Rose Lavelle, who needed to sit out resulting from a yellow card suspension, did not deter the American facet. Coach Vlatko Andonovski’s strategic choice to subject Emily Sonnett allowed Horan to function increased up the pitch.
Sweden pressed relentlessly within the closing moments of regulation, with substitute Sofia Jakobsson coming near breaking the impasse.
But Naeher, the American custodian, demonstrated her mettle with an important save, showcasing her value on the grandest stage.
The match additionally marked an emotional second for 2 veterans on both facet. Sweden’s Caroline Seger, who boasts a record-breaking 235 appearances for her nation, was on the bench resulting from an ongoing calf harm, whereas Megan Rapinoe, the U.S. legend, made her 2 hundredth look for the nationwide group on the World Cup.
This event marks Rapinoe’s swan track, and she or he has embraced a diminished function.
Dutch tame Banyana Banyana
In an earlier encounter, the Netherlands secured a quarterfinal tie in opposition to Spain, as they ended South Africa’s historic run with a hard-fought 2-0 win in entrance of a buzzing crowd of 40,000 in Sydney.
Despite the Netherlands’ 2019 runner-up standing, Banyana Banyana threatened to spoil their opponents’ social gathering with an electrifying first-half efficiency.
It was due to the heroic efforts of Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar that the Oranje managed to maintain the South Africans at bay through the opening 45 minutes.
The Dutch opened the scoring after simply 9 minutes when Jill Roord expertly discovered the online, sending her group one step nearer to the subsequent stage of the event.
South Africa, ranked 45 locations under the Netherlands, fought valiantly of their first-ever knockout spherical look however suffered a setback when goalkeeper Kaylin Swart dedicated a expensive error within the second half, permitting an in any other case innocent Lineth Beerensteyn shot to sneak previous her and provides the Dutch a significant second aim.
Looking forward to their conflict with Spain on Friday, the Netherlands know they need to up their sport, regardless that Van Domselaar’s heroic efficiency earned her the well-deserved title of participant of the match.
The Aston Villa shot-stopper humbly commented on her efficiency, saying, “It wasn’t our best game, but I’m happy to have played my part in keeping a clean sheet. I don’t know if it was my best game, but I’ll look back on it with pride.”
South Africa, ranked 54th, can maintain their heads excessive for his or her spirited efficiency and can rue missed alternatives, significantly within the first half, the place their captain, Thembi Kgatlana, was a relentless menace.
The vigorous striker had a number of alternatives to breach the Dutch protection, however Van Domselaar proved to be a formidable impediment, denying Kgatlana on a number of events.
The neutrals at Sydney Football Stadium had been behind South Africa, and the thrill surged every time Kgatlana launched into a blistering run with the ball.
Her tempo and agility saved the Dutch protection on their toes, along with her fierce shot narrowly lacking the goal early on.
South Africa coach Desiree Ellis praised her group’s efficiency however could not assist however really feel that they need to have sealed the match with the probabilities they created.
She stated, “We had a lot of opportunities, especially in the first half, to secure the game. The chances we created should have put us out of sight.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com
