The Americans’ bid to win an unprecedented third consecutive title ended Sunday night on penalty kicks when Lina Hurtig converted and Sweden knocked the United States out of the World Cup 5-4 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 result ended the international career of United States star Megan Rapinoe, who said this would be her last World Cup. Rapinoe missed the penalty shot that would have won the game for the United States.
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.
Sweden’s goalkeeper Zecira Musovic watches as United States’ Megan Rapinoe misses her penalty shot at goal during the Women’s World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Sweden and the United States in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Scott Barbour)
United States’ Megan Rapinoe reacts after missing to score during a penalty shootout at the Women’s World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Sweden and the United States in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Hamish Blair)
United States’ Sophia Smith, left, takes a shot at goal during the Women’s World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Sweden and the United States in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Scott Barbour)
Sweden celebrate after defeating the United States in a penalty shootout in their Women’s World Cup round of 16 soccer match in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Scott Barbour)
Sweden’s Stina Blackstenius and United States’ Julie Ertz, right, battle for the ball during the Women’s World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Sweden and the United States in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Scott Barbour)
US fans react ahead of the Women’s World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Sweden and the United States in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Scott Barbour)
United States’ Trinity Rodman, left, and Sweden’s Stina Blackstenius battle for the ball during the Women’s World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Sweden and the United States in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Scott Barbour)
Sweden’s team celebrate after defeating the United States in a penalty shootout in their Women’s World Cup round of 16 soccer match in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Hamish Blair)
United States’ Sophia Smith, top, and Sweden’s goalkeeper Zecira Musovic collide during the Women’s World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Sweden and the United States in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Scott Barbour)
Fans wait for the start of the Women’s World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Sweden and the United States in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Hamish Blair)
United States’ Lindsey Horan, right, and Sweden’s Lina Hurtig go for a header during the Women’s World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Sweden and the United States in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Hamish Blair)
United States’ team react during a penalties’ shootout during the Women’s World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Sweden and the United States in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Hamish Blair)
Sweden’s Stina Blackstenius, left, and United States’ Emily Fox battle for the ball during the Women’s World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Sweden and the United States in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Scott Barbour)
United States’ Megan Rapinoe, right, reacts with her teammates following their loss to Sweden in their Women’s World Cup round of 16 soccer match in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Scott Barbour)
