The US women’s national team were eliminated from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup by Sweden in penalties, losing 5-4 in a controversial ending that saw goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher dramatically save the final strike before VAR ruled the ball crossed the line by mere millimeters.
As ABBA’s Dancing Queen echoed throughout Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, American players stood in shock to process the historic exit.
Though the USWNT dominated throughout the match, holding 58 percent of possession and recording 22 shots on goal, a 0-0 stalemate forced the game into extra-time and eventual penalty kicks to decide the fate of the two nations. Players on both sides missed attempts, with Sophia Smith, Megan Rapinoe and Kelley O’Hara failing to convert the shot for the Stars and Stripes, but ultimately Naeher’s positioning on the final strike forced the dramatic elimination.
"It's a tough moment. It's hard to go through, and until the last minute you have hope that the ball didn't cross the line," added USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski after the final whistle.
"But from what I understand now, I mean, obviously the referee called what she did and I see the picture now, but I still can't see how that’s over the line. That just shows how cruel this game sometimes can be and how a small detail makes a difference between winning and losing."
The round of 16 exit is its earliest at any major tournament, standing as the first time the Americans fail to reach the semifinals of a World Cup.
"Someone said there was a picture of it and it was off by a millimeter. It's tough to have your World Cup end by a millimeter. I thought I had it. It must've slipped in,” added goalkeeper Naeher.
It’s the end of an era within the squad as Julie Ertz and Megan Rapinoe announced their retirement from the national team following the World Cup. Though 34-year-old Alex Morgan did not confirm her future, many assume she will pass on the torch to the new generation of Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman and Naomi Girma.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Vlatko Andonovski details USWNT's shocking World Cup exit .