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The standout match of the last 16 between the first and third in the world rankings USWNT and Sweden didn’t disappoint with its intensity, competitiveness and closeness. After goalless 90 minutes, Sweden vs USWNT had to go the distance before the winner was found. Inspired by their outstanding goalie Musovic it was Sweden in the end that won the penalty shootout and knocked out the defending champions. If you wonder how it all transpired wonder no more. Here are our Sweden vs USWNT player ratings and match summary.
Match Summary
Contents
It was a cagey start to the game between two of the top teams in the world. It was the Stars and Stripes that came to life first. More specifically their forward Trinity Rodman. Twice before the half-hour mark her heavy shots didn’t bring joy only because of diving saves from the impressive all-night Swedish goalie Zecira Musovic.
It was more of the same in the second half with the USA attacking but Sweden defending very well. Still, Musovic had to make 3 more fingertip saves to keep the Scandinavians on level terms. Her most impressive one was when she showed cat-like reflexes to keep out Horan’s close-range header with only 3 minutes left of regulation time. American captain Horan had hit the crossbar earlier in the match and luck was certainly not with her on that day.
Sweden soaked up pressure for the best part of 70 minutes but then they tried to steal a smash-and-grab win. They nearly did that 5 minutes from time when Jakobsson had her shot acrobatically saved.
After goalless 90 minutes, the game entered extra times. Sweden looked fresher and dominated the first 15 minutes of the additional 30. However, it was again the Stars and Stripes that looked closer to a goal. Both Morgan and Williams got discouraged by 2 more instinctive saves from Musovic.
Musovic’s heroics continued in the final 15 minutes of play. She denied Smith in a one-on-one rendezvous. Sweden retreated very deep in their own area late on and were simply hanging on for penalties. Confident that the outstanding Musovic will be the difference-maker come the shootout.
Sweden proved right and after 7 penalties each the Scandinavians won the shootout 4-3 to deliver USWNT their first World Cup defeat since 2011. So, it will be Sweden vs Japan in the quarterfinals.
USWNT Player Ratings: underwhelming once more and flying back home early
GK Alyssa Naeher 6.7/10
DF Emily Fox 6.9/10
DF Julie Ertz 7.2/10
DF Naomi Girma 6.9/10
DF Crystal Dunn 6.8/10
MF Emily Sonnett 7.0/10
MF Andi Sullivan 7.5/10
MF Lindsey Horan 7.9/10
FW Trinity Rodman 7.1/10
FW Alex Morgan 6.5/10
FW Sophia Smith 7.1/10
Substitutes
FW Lynn Williams 7.3/10
MF Megan Rapinoe 6.1/10
The other 2 substitutes were made inside the final 20 minutes, so there was no time for those players to be ranked.
Sweden Player Ratings: Musovic-magic brings a great joy
GK Zecira Musovic 9.7/10
DF Jonna Andersson 8.3/10
DF Magdalena Eriksson 7.0/10
DF Amanda Ilestedt 7.8/10
DF Nathalie Bjorn 7.0/10
MF Kosovare Asllani 6.8/10
MF Filippa Angeldal 6.9/10
MF Johanna Kaneryd 6.4/10
FW Fridolina Rolfo 7.6/10
FW Stina Blackstenius 7.1/10
FW Elin Rubensson 7.3/10
Substitutes
MF Lina Hurtig 6.4/10
MF Sofia Jakobsson 6.2/10
The other 2 substitutes were made inside the final 20 minutes, so there was no time for those players to be ranked.
Player of the Match: Zecira Musovic
The Swedish goalie Zecira Musovic single-handedly helped her team to a 0-0 draw vs the world champions after 120 minutes. Musovic made 11 saves and she was by far the best and busiest player on the pitch in this game.
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