The United States women must right the ship, and fast, or else they are at great risk of suffering their worst-ever Women’s World Cup showing.
A poor three-match run through the group stage saw the USWNT barely squeak through into the knockout round, and they were handed a meeting with eternal nemesis Sweden as a Round of 16 prize.
The United States have never failed to reach at least the semifinals of a FIFA Women’s World Cup, but must pass through Sweden and then Japan in order to continue that streak. After disappointing performances against the Netherlands and Portugal, that feels like a very tall mountain to climb.
Sweden collected all nine possible points through the group stage, topping South Africa, Italy, and Argentina along the way. They scored nine goals in the process, while conceding just one and proving they deserve to be amongst the favorites to lift the Women’s World Cup trophy.
These two familiar opponents will renew their storied rivalry, as the most-played fixture in Women’s World Cup history adds a seventh chapter at the game’s biggest stage.
MORE: Why Vlatko Andonovski was criticized for USWNT group stage performances
USA vs Sweden odds
Despite the poor group stage showing, the U.S. remain as favorites in this match, although not by nearly the…
