LAST 16
In the shock of the round, defending champions United States were knocked out by Sweden in Melbourne – despite finally delivering a performance befitting their quality – largely due to Chelsea goalkeeper Zecira Musovic.
Her saves forced a penalty shootout in which forwards Megan Rapinoe and Sophia Smith both missed the target – the latter would have put the US through had she scored. In sudden death, Kelley O’Hara hit the post then keeper Alyssa Naeher, who had both saved and scored a penalty, failed to keep out Lina Hurtig’s kick by what goal-line technology showed was the barest of margins.
The next tie also’s spot-kick success was more clear-cut, overcoming 4-2 after Desire Oparanozie and Michelle Alozie missed the Super Falcons’ first two. The Lionesses, with Keira Walsh restored to the midfield but nullified by Nigeria’s player-for-player marking, played extra-time with ten after Lauren James was dismissed for treading on Alozie.
