For the first time in the history of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the United States has lost a game in the group stages. Knowing that one of Sweden’s stars, Caroline Seger was out and that they only needed a draw to win, the USWNT were still not able to get a result good enough to win the group as they lost by a final score of 2-1, setting up a quarterfinal matchup against Brazil.
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011, USA Vs. Sweden: Swedes Win Game, Group C; USWNT Faces Brazil In Quarterfinals
Some might dismiss Sweden’s second goal, which came off of a deflection as pure luck, but any dismissal of anything Sweden did as luck requires a very short memory. In the 15th minute of the game, Amy LePeilbet hauled down Lotta Schelin in the penalty area, for which a penalty was given. LePeilbet was the last defender and denied a clear goal scoring opportunity, but was not shown a red card. Lisa Dahlkvist converted the penalty kick, but from the point at which LePeilbet was not shown red, the USWNT was playing with house money.
In the 35th minute, Rachel Buehler committed a bad foul 25 yards away from goal. The ensuing free kick, taken by Nilla Fischer, deflected off LePeilbet and went the opposite way of goalkeeper Hope Solo into the back of the net. At that point, it was obvious that the United States had a serious mountain to climb.
Abby Wambach broke her long goal-scoring drought late with a headed/shouldered goal into the top corner, but her effort wasn’t enough to get the USWNT back into the game. They now must face Brazil in the quarterfinals, in a game that will take place on Sunday.
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