LIVE: Two-time reigning World Cup champions USA and Olympic silver medalists Sweden are facing off in a massive Round of 16 battle.
After Germany’s group-phase exit, the top-rated Americans and Sweden, third on the FIFA list, are the two highest-ranked teams left standing.
But their meeting – certainly worthy of a major tournament – is coming early this time around, with the winner to face an impressive Japan in the last eight.
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After some selection drama before the game (more on that below), the USA showed significant improvement from their extremely underwhelming performances in the group stages, dominating the first half and coming close to breaking the deadlock.
The Swedish side were surprisingly timid in both set-up and
In the 18th minute, Trinity Rodman lashed a thunderous strike from outside the area – the first shot on target of the match – that went straight to Zecira Musovic in goals.
But Sweden had a couple of chances of their own with a pair of corners in the opening 20 minutes – an area where they have produced plenty of goals this tournament, including three for central defender Amanda Ilestedt.
Both corners forced American keeper Alyssa Naeher to punch away the ball – both in exceptional fashion.
21-year-old Rodman, just minutes after a crunching collision left her wincing and in need of painkillers, showed her pace and attacking threat as she raced into the area in the 27th minute and drew a fine save with her shot across goal.
Sweden’s defence was struggling to stifle the creativity and movement of the American attack, with the champions dominating possession as chances began to flow.
In the 34th minute, American captain Lindsey Horan hit the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner.
“I’m in shock. I’m shocked that Sweden is playing like this,” Matildas great Heather Garriock said at halftime on Optus Sport about Sweden’s decision to play defensively and invite pressure from the USA attack.
And after the halftime the Americans continued to pour forward, with Lindsay Horan seeing a half-volley brilliantly saved by Musovic in the first ten minutes after the interval.
Vlatko Andonovski’s USA have looked unconvincing in the group stages, squeezing into the knockout phase with a 0-0 draw against debutants Portugal and also being held by the Netherlands.
“The fact we are in, we are lucky, but we are moving on,” said Andonovski. “Now we will do everything possible so that same situation doesn’t happen again. We are doing everything we can to provide success and meet the expectations for everyone.”
The United States and Sweden are familiar foes, having met six times before at World Cups, but never in the knockout stages.
The USA won their last World Cup encounter 2-0 in 2019 on their way to the title, but Sweden were 3-0 winners when they last met at the Tokyo Olympics.
Coach Peter Gerhardsson said history will mean nothing when they meet and is confident the underperforming champions can be beaten.
“It’s not something I look at, historical facts, I’m rooted in the present,” he said.
“There are a lot of new players in both line-ups so history is less important.
“(The Olympics) was two years ago, it’s all about the physical and mental shape we are in now,” he added.
“I have great confidence in the squad. We believe in this, believe we can win.”
Japan will be awaiting the winner after another impressive display in defeating Norway 3-1 on Saturday.
Spain — thrashed 4-0 by Japan in the group phase — were also convincing winners as they turfed out Switzerland 5-1.
The match starts at 7pm AEST at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium (aka AAMI Park).
MATCH CENTRE: Teams, stats, and more!
USA PULL SELECTION SWIFTY
Sweden manager Peter Gerhardsson has gone back to the line-up that battered Italy 5-0, with centre backs Amanda Ilestedt (three goals this tournament) and Magda Eriksson the only pair to retain their place from the team’s 2-0 win over Argentina that concluded their group stage.
The USA made two changes as well as a shift in formation to a 4-2-3-1.
With midfielder Rose Lavelle suspended, there appeared to be a shock with centre-back Julie Ertz moved forward into the midfield – where the 31-year-old has played for much of her career and particularly starred at the 2019 World Cup.
But moving Ertz and messing with a defensive combination that has performed well would be a huge risk.
And when play began it became clear that the USA had pulled a sly move with their selections, with an updated team list released just prior to kick-off showing that Ertz would remain in central defence.
Instead, it was Emily Sonnett who moved into the midfield for her first start of the tournament, another fascinating decision given she had spent her career at central defence until this season.
Meanwhile, Trinity Rodman replaces Lynn Williams on the right wing.
Interestingly, starters Sophie Smith, Lindsey Horan (captain), and Naomi Girma are all facing suspension if they pick up another yellow card in this game – which could have a massive impact should they progress.
USA: Alyssa Naeher (GK), Naomi Girma, Julie Ertz, Lindsey Horan (C), Sophia Smith, Alex Morgan, Emily Sonnett, Andi Sullivan, Crystal Dunn, Trinity Rodman, Emily Fox.
Sweden: Zecira Musovic (GK), Jonna Andersson, Magdalena Eriksso, Kosovare Asllani (C), Stina Blackstenius, Amanda Ilestedt, Nathalie Bjorn, Filippa Angeldal, Fridolina Rolfo, Johanna Kaneryd, Elin Rubensson.
Sweden vs USA live blog!
NETHERLANDS SURVIVE SCARE
The Netherlands set up a Women’s World Cup quarter-final with Spain after ending South Africa’s historic run with a 2-0 victory on Sunday.
But the 2019 runners-up suffered some anxious moments in front of 40,000 in Sydney and had goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar to thank for keeping the African champions at bay in the first half.
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Jill Roord scored after nine minutes to put the Dutch on their way against a team ranked 45 places below them and featuring in the knockout rounds for the first time.
South Africa goalkeeper Kaylin Swart then made a mess of an innocuous Lineth Beerensteyn shot midway through the second half to give the Dutch a second.
The Netherlands will meet Spain on Friday in the last eight but Van Domselaar was called into action numerous times.
“It wasn’t our best game but happy to play my part in the clean sheet,” said the stopper, who plays for Aston Villa and was named player of the match.
“I don’t know if it was my best (game) but I will be looking back with pride.”
The second goal to Beerensteyn came after a shocking howler from Kaylin Swart, who seemingly had the shot covered only for the ball to slip through her hands.
Japan through to World Cup Quarter Final | 01:03
While the Netherlands won, they will be without Daniëlle van de Donk after she was awarded a yellow card for a challenge on Andile Dlamini.
Van de Donk came into the game with a yellow, so her latest indiscretion means she will miss the next game against Spain.
South Africa coach Desiree Ellis was proud but felt her side should have won. “We had a lot of chances, especially in the first half, to kill off the game,” she said.
“The chances we created should have put us out of sight.”
“In the end the legs were not there to push for the duration of the game,” said Ellis.
She added: “Their goalkeeper getting player of the match shows how well we played.
“The whole of South Africa should be very proud.”
Netherlands vs South Africa live blog!
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