USWNT’s Loss to Sweden, Worst World Cup Finish Ever Has Fans in Complete Disbelief

The USWNT was left in stunned disbelief following a heartbreaking loss in the round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Following a scoreless draw through the first two halves of play, neither team was able to find the back of the net in extra time either, resulting in a penalty-kick shootout.

Following a miss off over the bar by Sweden’s Nathalie Bjorn on her team’s third attempt, with the score tied at two in penalties, the USWNT’s Megan Rapinoe had a chance to seize control but missed over the bar as well.

The USWNT had the opportunity to win it shortly after that, though, as late Sweden substitute Rebecka Blomqvist had her attempt saved, leaving Sophia Smith with a chance to win. But she missed just wide. Shortly after that, U.S. goalie Alyssa Naeher made her penalty kick, but teammate Kelley O’Hara hit the post to give Sweden a chance to win it with the score tied at 4-4.

And then this happened:

The penalty was looked at by VAR and determined to be a goal, giving Sweden the victory and sending the USWNT home with its earliest loss in World Cup history.