Vlatko Andonovski Defends USWNT's "Great Strategy" Following Women's World Cup Elimination By Sweden

USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski has declared himself pleased with the performance of his team despite their early exit from the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

The four-time champions were the much better side for 120 minutes against Sweden on Sunday. But they were unable to find a way past inspired goalkeeper Zecira Musovic as the game ended 0-0 and went to a penalty shootout.

Sweden then won a dramatic spot-kick contest 5-4, with the winning penalty needing a VAR review to confirm that it had crossed the line.

USA head coach Vlatko Andonovski pictured hugging goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher following the team's 5-4 penalty-shootout loss against Sweden

IMAGO/AAP/Joel Carrett

Sunday's defeat in the round of 16 means that the United States have failed to reach the semi-finals of a Women's World Cup for the first time in the tournament's history.

Their shock exit came five days after a 0-0 draw with Portugal had seen the USWNT finish with just five points in the group stage - another record low.

Andonovski is widely expected to lose his job as a consequence of his side's underperformance.

But he told reporters after Sunday's game: "I thought that we had a great game plan, great strategy.

"We executed the game plan, we had the right personnel on the field to execute the game plan and if I had to coach this group, this game, all over again, I'd probably do the same."

When asked about his future with the USWNT, he added: "Someone just pointed out how hurt the players are going through the mixed zone... I think it's selfish to think about me, my future, what I'm going to do when we have 20-year-old players going through this."