Soccer’s Unfortunate Cruelty: US Women Early World Cup Exit

The United States was ousted from the Women’s World Cup after losing in a dramatic penalty shootout to Sweden.

The Defending champions controlled most of the game and created most chances but the Swedish goalkeeper Zećira Mušović, made massive saves to keep Sweden intact in the game.

Swedish captain Magdalena Eriksson “We didn’t play our best game, but in some way, we showed we’re hard-headed, we showed heart, and we never give up. We took it to extra time, we took it to penalties, and we managed to win. “We’re so happy right now.”

Sophia Smith had an earlier chance to win it and send the Americans through to the Quarter finals but missed from the spot kick.

VAR had to intervene the winning Swedish penalty to confirm whether it had gone over the line after Hurtig’s spot kick looked to have been saved by the US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.

The US players were in tears as the Swedish players rejoiced on the pitch.

Rapinoe was among the USA players to miss penalty.

Sweden will face Japan in the Women’s World Cup Quarter finals on Friday with both teams having an unblemished record of 100 percent since the group stages.

The Netherlands had earlier eliminated South Africa with a comfortable 2-0 win where they will play Spain in the Quarter finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.