The US has endured a difficult Women’s World Cup so far, winning just once and scraping through the group stage, but has nonetheless made it to the round-of-16 where it will face Sweden at 5 a.m. Already, the US has been the width of a goalpost away from crashing out the Women’s World Cup as Portugal almost scored a late winner in the last match of the group stage, which ultimately ended a goalless draw. USA's goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher (L) makes a save during her team's draw against Portugal. - Saeed Khan/AFP/Getty ImagesSuch frailties are a world away from the all-conquering US teams of 2015 and 2019; it is the first time that the US has won just one group stage match – no side has ever reached the Women’s World Cup final after winning just once in their group. World No.3 Sweden, on the other hand, sailed through its group with ease.

Source: CNN August 05, 2023 19:02 UTC