Frequent rivals Sweden and the United States will meet once again at the Women’s World Cup, but this time the stakes are tremendously higher.
The two-time defending champion Americans are struggling heading into the round of 16 match on Sunday against the Swedes, who they have played often in both the World Cup and the Olympics.
The United States looks nothing like the team that won the 2015 and 2019 titles. That American team pounced early on its opponents won all of its seven matches in 2019. “It’s the Round of 16, they’re going to be a good side and it’s going to be a tough battle,” U.S. forward Lynn Williams said. “But just mainly focusing on what we can do and what makes us special, and hopefully go out there and win this game.”
But, the Swedes have held the advantage at the Olympics in recent years. The United States failed to medal at the Brazil Olympics in 2016 after being ousted by Sweden in the quarterfinals. The Swedes knew they would face the United States before their group final against Argentina, so they were able to rest their starters and used nine lineup changes in the group finale.“If you are going to go all the way, you are going to have to play this kind of opposition sooner or later. And the U.S. are ranked No. 1. It might be better to play them Sunday instead of a semis or a final,” Sweden coach Peter Gerhardsson said.
She came off the bench in the second half of a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands and sent a corner kick to Horan for the tying goal.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Women's World Cup stars juggle parenthood while playing on the world stageThere have been plenty of elite athletes who have also juggled parenthood, but the level of support the mothers are receiving while on the job at the Women's World Cup is improving. FOX13
Read more »
Many stars at Women's World Cup juggle parenthood while playing on the world stageForget about orange slices, players such as Alex Morgan, Katrina Gorry of Australia and Cheyna Matthews of Jamaica are redefining what it means to be a “soccer mom.”
Read more »
Women’s World Cup: Sweden advances to play USA in round of 16 | August 2, 2023Sweden and South Africa clinched spots in the round of 16 with wins, and Sweden will battle the United States Sunday. Today's remaining matches feature Jamaica vs. Brazil and Panama vs. France. Here are the superstars to look for, the stories to follow and all the details on how to watch.
Read more »
South Africa reach Women's World Cup last 16 for first time, Italy stunnedCaptain Thembi Kgatlana scores early in stoppage time to give South Africa a 3-2 win over Italy and a spot in the knockout rounds of a Women's World Cup for the first time
Read more »
World Cup NOW: How USWNT matches up against SwedenSweden's victory on Wednesday made it the winner of Group G. More importantly, it sets up a date against the United States in the round of 16 on Sunday.
Read more »