In a nail-biting and thrilling showdown on the grand stage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the USWNT faced off against Sweden in the round-of-16 knockout match on Sunday. With both teams demonstrating palpable intensity on the pitch, the drama unfolded till the very last kick of the match. Adding a twist of fate, it was Sweden who orchestrated a stunning exit for the American contingent from the tournament, as the efforts of Megan Rapinoe and the budding star Sophia Smith fell short in converting from the penalty spot.

The match was a tightly contested affair, with both teams creating chances but unable to break the deadlock. The game went to extra time, and then to penalties, where Sweden prevailed 5-4. Lina Hurtig won the game for the Swedes in an extraordinary fashion, as her penalty was saved by the USWNT goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher at first, but the ball came back down & went over the line despite the USA goalkeeper’s best efforts, with a VAR check ruling she had not scrambled it out in time.

Sophia Smith was left heartbroken after crashing out of the WC

Sophia Smith was playing in her first-ever major tournament for the U.S. Women’s National Team and had been anointed as the new face of the USWNT timely before the World Cup. Coming off a magical and high-performing NWSL season where she became the youngest MVP in the history of the league, Smith continued her form in the World Cup. She scored half of the total four goals scored by the Americans at the WC, as she recorded a brace against Vietnam in the opening match.

With Megan Rapinoe missing her strike from the spot, Smith also buried her face in her hands as she missed her penalty strike against Sweden, with the ball soaring over the top right corner of the goalpost as soon as she kicked.

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Why Was Megan Rapinoe Laughing After Missing Her Penalty That Cost USWNT the World Cup? Revealed

Carli Lloyd advises Rapinoe’s young teammate, Sophia Smith

Carli Lloyd experienced a similar scare too when she missed a PK during the 2011 World Cup final, which ultimately gave away the win to Japan.

Lloyd offered words of support to Smith by reminding her of the same incident in a video that she shared via Instagram.

“I felt like a failure, I felt like I let my country down, my teammates down,” Lloyd said.

“We always learn from our failures and mistakes. It’s a moment to grow, get better & evolve. I want you to know that your future is bright, that you’re going to keep going, you’re going to keep shining, and you’re going to keep doing amazing.”

Lloyd continued. “So don’t stop. You can be upset for a quick second, but know that you have a bright future.”

Were expectations for Smith too high?

Smith is just 23 years old and was playing in her first World Cup for the four-time world champions and tournament favorites. Some may say that was too much pressure to put on her. However, Smith herself would probably challenge that notion and say that she welcomed the pressure and everything that comes with it.

Smith also broke her silence after the exit and shared her thoughts on Instagram with a photo of herself after she missed the PK.

“This World Cup was filled with just about every emotion possible, what I’ve learned is more valuable than any experience I’ve ever had. Thank you to those who believed and supported us throughout the tournament, and most importantly, to those who still do and never stopped. It wouldn’t be life without moments like this, and I know without a doubt we will be back and hungrier than ever,” she said.

The USWNT’s loss to Sweden was a major disappointment, but it is important to remember that the team is still very young and talented. With players like Megan Rapinoe transferring the staff to young talent like Sofia Smith, who is leading the way, the USWNT is sure to be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.

What do you think about the USWNT’s performance in the WC? Let us know in the comment section!

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