It hasn’t been the prettiest of tournaments for the United States Women’s National Team, though they are through to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Round of 16 against a Sweden team that dominated their group to advance past the group stage.
The USWNT began their tournament with a 3-0 victory over Vietnam by Sophia Smith’s double to move to the top of the group. The United States would come out a little flat against the Netherlands in game two of group play and draw 1-1 against the Netherlands. Goal differential kept the United States atop of the group heading into their match against Portugal. The United States would have a flurry of first half chances inside Portugal’s attacking third, but could not execute. Portugal would scare the U.S. with a shot that deflected off of the post, but ultimately would draw 0-0 with the United States.
With the Netherlands 7-0 thrashing of Vietnam in their third and final group play match, the Dutch would solidify earn the top spot in Group E and would force the United States to finish second in their group.
Sweden finished atop of Group G with a perfect 3-0 record. They would score a late go-ahead match winner in their first match to defeat South Africa in game one at the World Cup, followed by a 5-0 thumping over Italy. The Swedes dominated Argentina 2-0 in their final group play game to solidify their place in the Round of 16.
The United States and Sweden aren’t strangers to one another, as this will be the seventh time they both have faced off in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The red, white, and blue lead the all-time match up series against the Swedes 4-1-1 and will have to step up to a tough test on August 6th.
Match Time: Sunday, August 6, 5:00 AM EST
Channel: FOX