USWNT vs. Sweden: Battle For Spot In WWC’s Quaterfinals

The Round of 16 match between Sweden and the United States in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup saw the Americans play well in the first half but come out empty-handed.

The USWNT outperformed Sweden in the opening 45 minutes (plus two minutes of stoppage time) in almost every statistical category. Corner kicks (3-2), shots (6-2), shots on goal (2-0), and possession time (62% to 38%) were all advantages for the Americans.

When Trinity Rodman hit a shot directly at Swedish custodian Zecira Musovic in the 18th minute, the United States had its first scoring opportunity. Rodman got the USWNT’s second effort on goal in the 27th minute but was once more denied.

The U.S. also came close to scoring in the 34th minute. This time, it was a corner kick, and Lindsey Horan headed the ball off the crossbar just enough to clear the goalkeeper’s outstretched arm.

For the remainder of the half, neither team managed to score, setting up a thrilling final 45 minutes.

FIFA’s third-ranked nation, Sweden, is a powerhouse that might make up for the United States’ lacklustre performances in Group E, which caused them to finish second.

The USWNT managed to defeat Vietnam 3-0, draw 1-1 with the Netherlands, and then tie again with Portugal in a scoreless contest. If Portugal’s last-second shot hadn’t clanged off the post, they might not have even advanced to the knockout stages.

However, Sweden won Group G with a considerable margin of victory. As a result of scoring nine goals and allowing just one, the nation won all three games against Italy, Argentina, and South Africa, and the tide is currently in its favour.

On Friday, August 11, the victor would play Japan in the quarterfinals. Japan dominated Group C, which also included Spain, Zambia, and Costa Rica, winning all three matches with 11 goals scored and none allowed.

Due to midfielder Rose Lavelle’s suspension, the United States changed up its starting lineup for the match, starting Emily Sonnett in her first World Cup match. After coming off the bench against Portugal, Rodman returned to the starting lineup, which was a decision that paid off in the first half.