The U.S. women’s national team put together a solid first half but had nothing to show for it, as they enter the break tied 0-0 against Sweden in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Round of 16.
In nearly every statistical category, the USWNT outplayed Sweden in the first 45 minutes (plus two minutes of stoppage time). The Americans held an edge in corner kicks (3-2), shots (6-2), shots on goal (2-0) and possession time (62% to 38%).
The U.S. had its first scoring opportunity in the 18th minute, when Trinity Rodman fired a shot right at Swedish goalkeeper Zecira Musovic. Later, in the 27th minute, Rodman had the USWNT’s second shot on goal but was once again denied.
The U.S. nearly scored in the 34th minute, too. This time is was off a corner kick, where Lindsey Horan headed the ball just over the keeper’s outstretched arm but off the crossbar.
The two sides remained scoreless over the remainder of the half, setting up a dramatic final 45 minutes to come.
Sweden, the No. 3-ranked nation by FIFA, is a powerhouse that could make the U.S. pay for its underwhelming outings in Group E that saw them finish second.
The USWNT mustered a 3-0 win vs. Vietnam and drew to the Netherlands 1-1 before tying again to Portugal in a scoreless affair. They might not have even qualified for the knockout rounds had Portugal’s late attempt clanged off the post.
Sweden, though, finished first in Group G in relatively comfortable fashion. The nation won all three games against Italy, Argentina and South Africa thanks to scoring nine goals and conceding just once, so momentum is currently on its side.
The winner would then meet Japan in the quarterfinals on Friday, Aug. 11. Japan topped Group C — which comprised Spain, Zambia and Costa Rica — in dominating fashion, winning all three games with 11 goals scored and zero conceded.
The U.S. shook up its starting lineup for the game with midfielder Rose Lavelle suspended, turning to Emily Sonnett for her first-ever World Cup start. Rodman rejoined the starters after coming off the bench against Portugal, a move that paid off in the first half.
This story will be updated…
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