The US Women’s National Football Team (USWNT) has been kicked out of the Rio Olympics by Sweden, after a 1-1 draw in regulation time led to a 4-3 loss on penalties in the first quarter final game of the tournament.
The US had the lion’s share of possession and created the best chances, but failed to capitalise, and in the end were punished by a plucky Swede side.
Stina Blackstenius gave Sweden the lead in the first half, but Alex Morgan pulled the USWNT back into the tie. An exciting 30 minutes of extra time saw end to end action, as both sides had goals disallowed – but neither failed to sneak ahead.
But after Christen Press put her penalty over the bar, Swedish captain Lisa Dahlkvist buried hers to put Sweden through to the semi finals.
The US team were stunned by the loss, having won the gold at the last three Olympics, and four out of the five available gold medals since the women’s game was added to the tournament in 1996.