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USWNT knocked out of World Cup by Sweden, USA's earliest exit ever at major tournament

Lindsay Schnell   Paste BN

The U.S. women's national team is out of the World Cup. Read that again.

In a stunning, heartbreaking ending, the USWNT lost to Sweden 0-0 (5-4) on penalty kicks, sending Sweden to the 2023 World Cup quarterfinals and sending the U.S. packing. That it was Sweden, a familiar foe, hurts even more.

After Kelley O'Hara missed a penalty kick for the U.S., Sweden's Lina Hurtig approached with a chance to send her team to a quarterfinal game against Japan. Initially, Alyssa Naeher appeared to deflect Hurtig’s shot, but video assistant referee showed the ball rolled back across the goal line by millimeters, giving Sweden the win on penalties after a scoreless draw in the round of 16.

This is the earliest exit the USWNT has ever made at a major tournament.

What you missed

USA humbled by Sweden, again: The end of the U.S. women's national team dynasty was as embarrassing as it was quick. The two-time defending champions came to this World Cup with a chance to make history as the first team, men’s or women’s, to win three consecutive titles. Instead, they made history of a wholly different sort with their earliest exit ever at a World Cup or an Olympics.

Read Nancy Armour's full column on the USWNT's collapse.

Couldn’t get up early? Take a look at our live updates and catch up on all the drama and postgame comments.

If you’re feeling down about the U.S. going home, don’t fret. There are plenty of Americans still making an impact at the World Cup. Check out five of them here, including two who play for Nigeria, which takes on new World Cup favorite England at 3:30 a.m. ET.

You gotta see this

The Round of 16 game was probably the best the USWNT had played the entire World Cup, but they still couldn't score. It wasn't because of lack of opportunities, either. The Americans got lots of decent looks, but Sweden's goalkeeper Zećira Mušović made terrific save after terrific save. She was absolutely the player of the match.

Need proof of how good Mušović was vs. the USWNT? Take a look at the videos below. This is just a small sampling Mušović's incredible play − can she do the same vs. Japan in the quarterfinals?

WATCH: Save by Sweden's Zecira Musovic

WATCH: Musovic denies Alex Morgan from close range

Quote me on that

"They suck. They’re cruel."

— USWNT captain Lindsey Horan, on penalty kicks, after the U.S. was knocked out of the 2023 World Cup

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