Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports.
The U.S. women’s national team stood stunned as Sweden celebrated when Lina Hurtig’s penalty kick was ruled over the line by VAR and Sweden advanced to the quarterfinals in penalty kicks leaving the US with its earliest exit in a World Cup in team history.
After the match, players and head coach Vlatko Andonovski spoke to the media. The message stayed consistent between players and coach–pride in the way the team played tonight, and the fact that penalties suck.
“I think we came out today and showed what we’re all about today, showed the grit, the resilience, the fight, the bravery. Showed everything that we could to win the game,” Andonovski said. “Unfortunately, soccer can be cruel sometimes.”
“First and foremost, I’m so proud of the team you know a lot went into this performance…I think we played beautiful football today,” said co-captain Lindsey Horan after the match.
“We just lost the World Cup by a millimeter, that’s tough,” said goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher…
