The United States Women’s National Team was saved by the post against Portugal. Had the ball been six inches to the left and the four-time World Cup winners would have been headed home.
The Americans now have the chance to get things right and resurrect their World Cup. The team’s performance will be down to the players head coach Vlatko Andonovski selects for his starting XI.
Återhämtning och omladdning inför helgens uppgift 🔋🇺🇸#SWE | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/beubRS75tj— Svensk Fotboll (@svenskfotboll) August 3, 2023
Återhämtning och omladdning inför helgens uppgift 🔋🇺🇸#SWE | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/beubRS75tj
So far, Andonovski has been loyal to the old guard. However, it is the older players like Alex Morgan who have failed to show up. Morgan has looked poor throughout the tournament, missing shot after shot.
Sweden are one of the USWNT’s oldest rivals. The Swedes are ranked No 3 in the world and could pull off one of their biggest wins of all time.
Sweden have never won the Women’s World Cup. They are a nearly-team that has reached the semifinals on four occasions.
Four years ago in France, Sweden reached the semifinals, losing to the Netherlands 1-0 in extra time.
At the 2019 World Cup, Sweden and the USWNT played in the group stage.
The Americans won 2-0 to continue their strong form over the Swedes. The USWNT went on to win the World Cup.
Despite their poor form in the group stage and just one win, bookmakers believe the USWNT will defeat Sweden on Sunday. The Yanks are the favourites to win the game.
Sweden and the USWNT met 17 times previously, with the Americans edging their rivals with seven wins, four draws, and six defeats.
The teams met three times following their 2019 World Cup match. Sweden won two of those matches, while the USWNT picked up just one win.
There are a lot of questions surrounding Andonovski’s ability to lead the American team.
His forward players are not scoring goals, which could lead to a change to the starting XI. Morgan has received plenty of criticism following her pitiful performance against Portugal.
The USWNT have reached the semifinals of all previous Women’s World Cup tournaments. A loss before the semifinals would be a major shock.
Many fans expected the USWNT and Sweden to meet in the semifinals of the Women’s World Cup.
Due to the USWNT’s poor form, the teams will meet in the round of 16, with one of the top teams at the tournament going home early.
Although the USWNT have disappointed, they should get it right on Sunday. Andonovski should make changes to the starting XI and get the best out of his players. The USWNT should win 2-0 against Sweden.