Women’s World Cup

Subterms

    Latest story

    250 Shares159 Views

    USWNT crash out of Women’s World Cup after heartbreaking penalty shootout as bid for history ends in round of 16

    by

    THE USWNT is out of the Women’s World Cup after a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Sweden in the round of 16.Lina Hurtig’s dramatic penalty condemned the USA to a shock early exit after the sides played out a 0-0 draw in Melbourne.
    The USWNT is out of the Women’s World Cup after defeat to SwedenCredit: AFP
    Megan Rapinoe missed a penalty and was in tears after the shootout lossCredit: Reuters
    But they were left heartbroken as the USA’s bid for a third-straight title ended earlyCredit: Getty
    The winning penalty went over the line by the barest of marginsCredit: ITV
    The USA had aimed to become the first team in history to win three-straight World Cup titles.
    But after scraping thru from Group E in second place they found Sweden too physical in their first knockout matchup.
    Trinity Rodman was promoted to the starting XI, with veteran Megan Rapinoe again only on the bench.
    The first half saw few chances for either team as Andi Sullivan went closest with a fierce shot from the edge of the penalty area.

    After the break, the USA pushed forward in search of a winner but couldn’t find a way past Zecira Musovic in the Swedish goal.
    And following a tense extra time, penalty kicks were needed to separate the two sides.
    Nathalie Bjorn and Rapinoe both skied over the bar before Alyssa Naeher made a brilliant save from Rebecka Blomqvist.
    Sophia Smith had the chance to send the USWNT into the quarter-finals but sent the ball agonizingly wide.
    Most read in Soccer
    And Kelley O’Hara struck the post in sudden death, giving Hurtig the chance to win it.
    Naeher got a huge hand to the shot, but VAR deemed that Hurtig’s penalty had snuck over the line by the barest of margins.
    It condemns the USA to their earliest-ever exit from a World Cup.
    Despite the defeat, coach Vlatko Andonovski said he was “proud” of his team as he spoke to FOX after the game.
    He told Jenny Taft: “I’m so proud of the team. So proud of the girls.
    “I know we were criticized in the group stage but we came out today and showed what we’re all out.
    “They showed the grit, the resilience, the fight, the bravery.
    “Unfortunately soccer can be cruel sometimes.”
    The shock loss comes after legendary forward Carli Lloyd had criticized USWNT players following their 0-0 draw with Portugal in the group stages.
    The Stars & Stripes were lucky to salvage a draw in the game, with the right post coming to their rescue.
    And Lloyd had been fuming that some players were seen dancing and laughing after the contest.
    She raged on FS1: “I have never witnessed something like that.
    “There’s a difference between being respectful of the fans and saying hello to your family, but to be dancing, to be smiling.
    “I mean, the player of the match was that post. You are lucky to not be going home right now.”
    Read More on The Sun
    Sweden now advances to the quarter-final stage where they will face Japan.
    With the USA out and unable to retain their crown, the Women’s World Cup will have a new winner for the first time since 2011. More

    More stories

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Denise O’Sullivan rushed to hospital as Ireland’s training game against Colombia abandoned after just 20 minutes

      by

      IRELAND’S training game against Colombia today was abandoned after 20 minutes – as Denise O’Sullivan was taken to hospital. The Girls in Green faced the South Americans in a final World Cup tune-up game at their Meakin Park training base in Brisbane. 
      Denise O’Sullivan warming up prior to the match kicking offCredit: Sportsfile
      Captain Katie McCabe looking on at Meakin ParkCredit: Sportsfile
      Vera Pauw is now set to hold a press conference tomorrow which had not previously been plannedCredit: Sportsfile
      Midfielder Sinead Farrelly during the match itselfCredit: Sportsfile
      But the game was abandoned early after Irish ace O’Sullivan was carried off on a stretcher with an injured shin. 
      It is not yet known if it is a serious injury, but the North Carolina player was taken straight to hospital for a scan.
      After she was taken off, the Ireland team jointly decided against continuing the game after consulting with match officials.
      The game was played behind closed doors.

      Media had been told on Wednesday they could attend only for that allowance to be withdrawn at the last minute at the request of Colombia. 
      Ireland then remained on the pitch and put on a training session instead with a view towards next week’s World Cup opener with Australia.
      There were some “over physical” challenges before O’Sullivan’s injury, with Colombia picking up two yellow cards – one for the challenge on O’Sullivan –  in the opening 19 minutes.
      The FAI swiftly released a statement on the sudden conclusion.
      Most read in Football
      It read: “The behind-closed-doors game between the Ireland Women’s National Team and Colombia on Friday evening was ended after 20 minutes of play.
      “The game, which was held in Meakin Park, Brisbane, became overly physical and it was decided, following consultation with the match officials, to end the game.
      “The Ireland team then underwent a full training session to continue preparations for their opening game in FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, against Australia in Sydney on July 20.”
      INJURY SCARE
      Vera Pauw has not been without her fair share of injury scares as the start of the World Cup closes in.
      Last week, the Tallaght Tigers played their final home game before the tournament against France.
      The result – a 3-0 defeat – came secondary to the sight of captain Katie McCabe being forced off with an apparent ankle injury in the first-half.
      Fortunately, the Arsenal star quickly made a full recovery.
      She has even been a full participant in training every day since they touched down in Oz on Sunday.
      Wednesday saw Pauw deliver a very encouraging update on the left-back’s status.
      She said: “There are no worries at all. She did the last training session.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Yesterday (Tuesday) we had a pool session which is also part of our jet lag protocol. It is all planned. 
      “The day before we played on 11 aside on a very small pitch and she went in full power, full blocks, full sprints so there is no issue with her.” More