Sweden is further in the WC after a huge upset against the world number one, and the reigning world champions, the USA. But it would take penalties to separate the two teams.
There, Sweden emerged victorious from the battle and is through to the quarter-finals of the 2023 FIFA World Cup.
Sweden hard pressed
The USA and Sweden took turns pressing forward initially, without creating any dangerous scoring chances.
But in the 19th minute, the Swedish goalkeeper Zećira Mušović had to steer away a hard finish in the middle of the goal. Sweden was able to convert immediately, but a Stina Blackstenius wrong turn never made it to the end.
There began the American advance.
A mis-pass from Filippa Angeldahl in the 26th minute was about to give the USA the lead and forced Mušović into a goalkeeping save.
Both Mušović and the Swedish back line were put to the test several times. The most dangerous scoring chance of the half came in the 33rd minute when Lyon star Lindsey Horan rose to the top of a corner and headed it over the bar.
Despite six finishes against Sweden’s two, the score at half-time was still 0-0.
Musovic played big
And in the second half it was still full speed forward for the white-clad.
A hard shot from Horan in Mušović’s left corner forced the Swedish goalkeeper into another super save in the 53rd minute. A goalkeeper who continued to play great throughout the match.
Sweden got more and more in the longer the match went on, but the sharp scoring chances did not materialize.
The first finish on goal came in the 85th minute of the match through substitute Sofia Jakobsson. But the shot went straight to Naeher in the goal.
It was the USA that was the closest to a decision in regular time with a huge situation in the final minutes. But Zećira Mušović saved Sweden – who forced extra time.
But after 120 minutes played, it was still goalless and extra time turned into a penalty shootout.
Decided after VAR review
After the USA took their first three penalties, Nathalie Björn shot over and gave the USA the upper hand.
When the pressure became too great even for the veteran Megan Rapinoe, it opened up for a Swedish equalizer. But even Rebecka Blomqvist missed out.
A goal would send Sweden out. But then Sophia Smith missed and Hanna Bennison could give Sweden 3-3 after five penalties.
In the seventh round, Lina Hurtig stepped forward and was able to take Sweden to the quarter-finals. When she hit the penalty, the referee showed that the ball did not cross the goal line. But after the VAR room had its say, the decision was changed – and Sweden was sent, with a margin of a few millimeters, on to the quarter-finals.
There they face Japan. The match will be played on Friday at 9.30 Swedish time.
The punishment
1-0. Andi O’Sullivan, USA
1-1. Fridolina Rolfö, Sweden
2-1. Lindsey Horan, USA
2-2. Elin Rubensson, Sweden
3-2. Kristie Mewis, USA
Miss. Nathalie Björn, Sweden
Miss. Megan Rapinoe, USA
Miss. Rebecka Blomqvist, Sweden
Miss. Sophie Smith, USA
3-3. Hanna Bennison, Sweden
4-3. Alyssa Naeher, USA
4-4. Magdalena Eriksson, Sweden
Miss. Kelley O’Hara, USA
4-5. Lina Hurtig, Sweden