The United States, reeling on their heels far earlier than they — or anyone — expected, look to spark a turnaround and stave off elimination as they face old nemesis Sweden in the Round of 16 at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Following an underwhelming group stage where the USWNT were overwhelmed in midfield and wasteful in the attack, the time is now to act like the tournament favorites and No. 1 ranked team in the world, or be swept aside by more determined title contenders.
Entering the tournament as two-time defending Women’s World Cup champions and the popular pick to win an unprecedented third straight, the USWNT barely escaped the group stage with their lives, seeing Portugal hit the post in the 92nd minute on what would have meant their shocking elimination had it found the target.
Finishing second in Group E, they now find themselves matched not with a group runner-up, but instead with a Sweden side ranked No. 3 in the world on the backs of a dominant group showing. Peter Gerhardsson’s side thumped Group G, securing a maximum nine points while scoring nine goals and conceding just one.
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