Holders the US knocked out of World Cup by Sweden in last 16

Sweden’s Fridolina Rolfo celebrates after her successful penalty kick during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Round of 16 soccer match between Sweden and the USA at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. Joel Carrett/AAP/dpa

Holders the United States were knocked out of the World Cup last 16 by Sweden in dramatic fashion on Sunday after losing 5-4 penalties following a 0-0 draw.

Lina Hurtig’s spot-kick in the Melbourne shoot-out appeared to have been saved by US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher but technology showed the ball had gone over the line by the thinnest of margins.

It meant the US, dominant during normal time and extra time, went out on sudden death after Kelley O’Hara struck the post.

Sweden progress to meet former champions Japan in the quarter-finals on Friday.

Sweden celebrates a successful penalty shot during the penalty shoot out during the penalty shoot out during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Round of 16 soccer match between Sweden and the USA at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. Joel Carrett/AAP/dpa
USA’s Megan Rapinoe reacts after missing her penalty shot during the penalty shoot out during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Round of 16 soccer match between Sweden and the USA at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. James Ross/AAP/dpa
USA’s Lynn Williams consoles teammates Megan Rapinoe following their loss to Sweden during the penalty shoot out during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Round of 16 soccer match between Sweden and the USA at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. Joel Carrett/AAP/dpa
Sweden’s Magdalena Eriksson and USA’s Sophia Smith battle for the ball during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Round of 16 soccer match between Sweden and the USA at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. James Ross/AAP/dpa
Sweden’s Fridolina Rolfo and USA’s Andi Sullivan battle for the ball during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Round of 16 soccer match between Sweden and the USA at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. Joel Carrett/AAP/dpa

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