Sweden stuns U.S. on penalties in women's soccer
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For just the second time in Olympic history, the United States will not taste gold in women's soccer.
The Americans were stunned by Sweden in Friday's quarterfinal at Rio 2016, the top-ranked side on the planet - and three-time defending gold medalist - falling 4-3 on penalties after Lisa Dahlkvist stroked home the winning spot-kick to send a massive, unprecedented wave through women's football.
The #USWNT fails to reach the semifinals of a major tournament for the first time.
— Paul Carr (@PCarrESPN) August 12, 2016
The United States, easily the most talented side in Brazil, labored to break down a stingy Swedish defense in front of a scant crowd at the Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia.
Despite dictating play and dominating possession - creating half-chances and forcing last-ditch tackles - Jill Ellis' side went behind in the second half. Against the run of play, substitute Stina Blackstenius collected a through ball that sliced open the American backline and fired a low drive beyond the outstretched arm of Hope Solo.
Pushing desperately for an equalizer, Alex Morgan delivered in the 77th minute, the increasingly maligned striker pouncing on a loose ball inside the penalty area before smashing a left-footed effort home.
From that point, it only seemed there would be one winner.
The Americans, so renowned for their superior fitness, looked fresh and reinvigorated. Substitute Crystal Dunn was a menace each time she got on the ball, her pace and direct running wreaking havoc. The sixth-ranked Swedes, meanwhile, were barely hanging on.
Alas, penalties acted as the great equalizer.
Morgan missed her side's first effort from the spot, and with the score tied at three, Christen Press sent her shot blazing well over the crossbar, opening the door for Dahlkvist - and the rest of the field who will now harbor improved hopes of capturing gold.
#USWNT's Hope Solo "we lost to a bunch of cowards. The better team did not win' #Rio2016
— Kevin Baxter (@kbaxter11) August 12, 2016
The loss is the United States' first in 15 Olympic matches, and only their third ever; they've won four gold medals and one silver since the sport's inclusion at the Olympics in 1996.
Fresh off the enormous upset, Sweden and manager Pia Sundhage - who was at the U.S.helm for two of those gold medals - will meet the winner of tonight's last quarterfinal between host nation Brazil and Australia.
All photos courtesy Action Images