Netherlands vs South Africa LIVE: Women’s World Cup result and reaction as knockout stages continue

Jill Roord scored her fourth goal of the tournament as the Netherlands marched into the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup with a 2-0 win over South Africa at Sydney Football Stadium.

Roord’s header gave her side an early lead and Lineth Beerensteyn added the second goal courtesy of a goalkeeper error in the second half to secure the Dutch a date with Spain in Wellington on Friday.

The 54th-ranked African champions never gave up the fight in their first appearance in the World Cup knockout stage and were always a threat on the break through striker Thembi Kgatlana.

Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar was equal to everything Banyana Banyana fired at her, however, and the 2019 finalists progressed to the last eight for the second successive tournament.

Japan are also through to the last-16 and will face the winner of the heavyweight clash between defending champions USA and Sweden. The USA are looking vulnerable after scraping through Group E, and the defending champions going out at this stage would leave the tournament wide open.

Follow live updates from Netherlands vs South Africa as the World Cup last-16 continues.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Netherlands vs South Africa

• FT! Netherlands 2-0 South Africa: Dutch set up Spain quarter-final

• 68’ GOAL! Netherlands double lead after goalkeeper howler costs South Africa (NED 2-0 RSA)

• 8' GOAL! Jill Roord scores from a yard out after South Africa fail to clear (NED 1-0 RSA)

• South Africa look to continue stunning run after reaching last-16 for first time

• USA continue World Cup title defence against Sweden in Melbourne - (10am BST)

USA knocked out of World Cup by Sweden after dramatic penalty shoot-out

13:40 , Ben Fleming

The United States got the result that was coming, but in a manner that no one could have predicted. The USA’s reign of dominance at the Women’s World Cup is over; after two consecutive titles and four overall, they suffered their earliest-ever exit from the competition at the hands of a familiar opponent. After victories over the USA at the previous two Olympics, Sweden struck again. This time it was by the finest of margins, with Lina Hurtig’s winning penalty crossing the line by barely an inch, awarded by VAR amid confusion, madness and heartbreak.

It brought one of the most successful eras in sport to a close. The USA set the standard and led the way at the Women’s World Cup, but now the rest of the world has caught up. Megan Rapinoe could only laugh, and then cry, as her penalty was blazed over the bar. Player of the tournament in 2019 and a winner in 2015, her final touch at her final World Cup in 2023 was an ignominious one. Kelley O’Hara, another stalwart of the USA’s golden age, also missed at a crucial moment, setting up Hurtig’s final blow.

Read the full report below:

USA’s dominant era ends on a night of chaos, confusion and heartbreak

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA knocked out by Sweden on penalties

14:00 , Ben Fleming

The United States are out of the Women’s World Cup after the defending champions were knocked out on penalties by Sweden at the last-16 stage in a dramatic shoot-out.

After a goalless 120 minutes which were dominated by the USA, Lina Hurtig’s penalty to win the tie required VAR to rule it had crossed the line, after Alyssa Naeher thought she had saved the USA’s World Cup defence.

USA forward Sophia Smith had missed the chance to win the match from the spot earlier in the shoot-out, blazing wide after Naeher saved Rebecka Blomqvist’s effort.

Here is a full breakdown of how the topsy-turvy shoot-out unfolded:

How USA and Sweden’s penalty shoot-out drama unfolded

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA knocked out by Sweden on penalties

16:30 , Ben Fleming

England midfielder Katie Zelem admits it was bittersweet to make her World Cup debut knowing close friend Keira Walsh’s injury was the reason why.

Manchester United captain Zelem started in England’s 6-1 victory over China, while Walsh has stepped up her recovery from the knee problem she sustained in the 1-0 victory over Denmark.

Zelem, 27, was not part of boss Sarina Wiegman’s squad to face Brazil and Australia in April and confessed there was a time she did not think she would be on the plane to the World Cup.

She said: “I think it’s a tough situation, to be honest, especially when Keira is one of my closest friends in the team.

“I think you never want to be playing on someone else’s misfortune, but luckily we found out that Keira’s injury obviously wasn’t too long-term or serious, so that is brilliant news.”

Read more below:

Katie Zelem admits World Cup debut was ‘tough moment’ after Keira Walsh injury

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA knocked out by Sweden on penalties

16:15 , Ben Fleming

The upsets at the Women’s World Cup group stage started on the opening day and ended with the biggest of all. Germany, the two-time champions and among the tournament favourites, are out before the quarter-finals for the first time in their history, a result that ranks as both the most stunning shock the tournament has ever seen, while also simply continuing the theme of the greatest group stage ever played at the Women’s World Cup. After all, hadn’t we learned to expect the unexpected?

A 1-1 draw against South Korea sealed Germany’s fate, following their dramatic 2-1 defeat to Colombia earlier in Group H. It meant Morocco, making their Women’s World Cup debut, progressed ahead of the side who thrashed them 6-0 in the opening round. The first-ever 32-team Women’s World Cup and the decision to expand from 24 teams has been a resounding triumph: rather than creating a more predictable group stage, it has done the opposite and led to wonderfully chaotic, thrilling tournament football.

How the Women’s World Cup produced its greatest ever group stage

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA knocked out by Sweden on penalties

16:00 , Ben Fleming

The race for the Women’s World Cup golden boot is taking shape with the knockout stages underway in Australia and New Zealand.

Hinata Miyazawa moved back to the top of the standings as the in-form striker rounded off Japan’s 3-1 win over Norway in the last-16, moving her to five goals in four games.

Alexandra Popp, one of the pre-tournament favourites for the golden boot, had joined Miyazawa on four goals but the Germany captain will be unable to add any more after the two-time champions crashed out in the group stages.

Women’s World Cup golden boot: Who’s leading the top-scorer standings?

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA knocked out by Sweden on penalties

15:45 , Ben Fleming

Hinata Miyazawa scored her fifth goal of the Women’s World Cup as Japan beat Norway 3-1 to reach the quarter-finals.

Japan have been on a mission to bury the memory of their disappointing exit at the last-16 stage in 2019 and move on to play the winner of Sunday’s clash between holders the United States and Sweden.

Although they conceded their first goal of the tournament to Guro Reiten’s header, an own goal from Norway’s Ingrid Engen as well as second-half strikes from Risa Shimizu and Miyazawa got them across the line in front of a crowd of 33,042.

Japan the team to beat so far:

Japan continue to shine as Spain orchestrate recovery to reach last-16

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA knocked out by Sweden on penalties

15:30 , Ben Fleming

For Millie Bright the past few months have been arduous. A knee injury suffered in March threatened her with the possibility facing the same fate as her England teammates who have been forced to remain at home as the Lionesses look for World Cup success in Australia and New Zealand – but she put up with a “brutal” recovery to return in time to captain her country on the biggest stage.

Bright has big shoes to fill. She has not only been tasked with helping to ensure the solidity of England’s defence but she has had to take the armband from Leah Williamson, who was the leader on their European conquest last year but whose ACL injury has kept her out of the squad.

Captaining England at a World Cup sounds like a big ask, but Bright believes the role is far more complex than many may presume it to be. Sarina Wiegman has fostered an openness and desire for debate within the team that has changed the way things operate.

Millie Bright: ‘I don’t give the orders - everyone has a platform’

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA knocked out by Sweden on penalties

15:15 , Ben Fleming

As the England players have gathered to watch other games in this World Cup, there has been a dawning realisation. This tournament is opening up for them, or at least any elite side that can remain assured. There are one or two, however, expressing a note of caution beyond the potential for complacency. They are telling their teammates it would be entirely in-keeping with this World Cup for there to be a “shock winner”.

If so, why not Nigeria?

This is how Sarina Wiegman and the Lionesses have to think ahead of this acutely dangerous last-16 tie in Brisbane, because that is certainly how the African side are thinking. Manager Randy Waldrum told his own squad that after the sensational 3-2 win over Australia, a victory that made it two fine results against teams of real status in this tournament.

Sharpened England face a World Cup test with a different edge

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA knocked out by Sweden on penalties

15:00 , Ben Fleming

Keira Walsh could make a stunning return for England’s last-16 Women’s World Cup clash against Nigeria.

Walsh was carried off on a stretcher late in the first half of the Lionesses’ 28 July victory over Denmark, with fears that the influential midfielder’s tournament could be over, but scans revealed her knee injury was not as serious as first suspected.

The 26-year-old took another step forward in her recovery when she joined her team-mates in training at the Central Coast Stadium on the eve of their last-16 showdown, before England flew to Brisbane ahead of the knockout encounter.

Some welcome news from the England camp:

Sarina Wiegman reveals stunning Keira Walsh fitness update on eve of Nigeria clash

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA knocked out by Sweden on penalties

14:45 , Ben Fleming

South Africa’s players soaked in the applause at the end; although defeated by the Netherlands, they left the Women’s World Cup with their heads held high. After reaching the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time, a place in the quarter-finals proved to be a step too far but only after they pushed the 2019 runners-up in a contest that could have played out very differently on another day.

That Netherlands goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar was awarded player of the match tells you just how well South Africa played and the chances they created.

Here’s a recap of the other of today’s last-16 matches as South Africa bowed out of the competition following a 2-0 defeat against the Netherlands

South Africa exit the Women’s World Cup having left their mark

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA knocked out by Sweden on penalties

14:30 , Ben Fleming

And this is how things will look after for the quarter-finals:

Friday 11 August

QF1: Spain vs Netherlands (02:00, Wellington)

QF2: Japan vs Sweden (08:30, Auckland)

Saturday 12 August

QF3: (Australia / Denmark) vs (France / Morocco) (08:00, Brisbane)

QF4: (England / Nigeria) vs (Colombia / Jamaica) (11:30, Sydney)

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA knocked out by Sweden on penalties

14:15 , Ben Fleming

Here is a look at the other last-16 ties coming up on Monday and Tuesday:

Monday 7 August

Match 54: England vs Nigeria (08:30, Brisbane) - BBC One

Match 53: Australia vs Denmark (11:30, Sydney) - BBC

Tuesday 8 August

Match 56: Colombia vs Jamaica (09:00, Melbourne) - ITV

Match 55: France vs Morocco (12:00, Adelaide) - ITV

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA knocked out by Sweden on penalties

13:50 , Ben Fleming

The victorious Swedish captain, Magdalena Eriksson, speaking after the game: “We are so happy right now. I don’t know how we managed to stay in this game.

“We didn’t play our best game, but in some way, we showed we’re hard-headed, we showed heart, we never give up. We took it to extra time, we took it to penalties and we managed to win.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA knocked out by Sweden on penalties

13:44 , Ben Fleming

Speaking after the game US coach, Vlatko Andonovski said: “I know we were criticised for the way we played [but] I think we came out today and were all about the grit, the resilience.

“Unfortunately, soccer can be cruel sometimes.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: SWEDEN WIN ON PENALTIES

13:24 , Ben Fleming

With that victory, Sweden will now face a last-eight match against the impressive Japan on Friday.

The Netherlands, who earlier beat South Africa, are also through to the last eight where they will take on Spain.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: SWEDEN WIN ON PENALTIES

13:13 , Ben Fleming

Speaking to ITV, the US captain Lindsey Horan said: “A lot went into this performance, we were confident and patient and played beautiful football. We created chances, we didn’t score and this is part of the game. To be frank, penalties suck.

“I’m proud of every player who stepped up to take one. Score or miss, it’s courageous to go and take a penalty so I’m very proud of my team.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: SWEDEN WIN ON PENALTIES

13:02 , Ben Fleming

And here’s the winning penalty:

Women’s World Cup LIVE: SWEDEN WIN ON PENALTIES

12:56 , Jamie Braidwood

One of the most insane penalty shoot-outs the World Cup will ever see!

Women’s World Cup LIVE: SWEDEN WIN ON PENALTIES

12:53 , Ben Fleming

Here’s that VAR shot from the winning penalty. Naeher makes the initial save but it appears that the ball crosses the line in the air before the American keeper can palm it away at the second attempt:

Women’s World Cup LIVE: SWEDEN WIN ON PENALTIES

12:51 , Ben Fleming

Wow! What a penalty shoot-out. Smith had a chance to win it for the US but blazed over and after some never-seen-before VAR drama, the defending champs are out.

Naeher still can’t believe it but the replays show the ball crossed the line by a matter of millimetres.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Penalty shoot-out

12:46 , Ben Fleming

SWEDEN ARE THROUGH! Hurtig steps up with a chance to win it...and Naeher saves it! Or does she?

The US keeper made the initial save and thought she had clawed the ball back over the line whilst it was in the air but a VAR check suggests otherwise and Sweden wheel away in celebration!

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Penalty shoot-out

12:44 , Ben Fleming

POST! O'Hara steps up...and hits the right post. The two-time World Cup winner sends the keeper the wrong way but it cannons back off the post and Sweden have a chance to win it...

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Penalty shoot-out

12:43 , Ben Fleming

Eriksson up next for Sweden to keep this going...a perfect penalty into the top-right corner. What composure. On we go...

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Penalty shoot-out

12:42 , Ben Fleming

The sixth US penalty is taken by the goalkeeper, Naeher! A big decision but it pays dividends as she smashes it down the middle.

The US lead 4-3.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Penalty shoot-out

12:42 , Ben Fleming

Bennison has to score...and does! Sweden remain in this as the midfielder levels it at 3-3.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Penalty shoot-out

12:41 , Ben Fleming

WIDE! Four misses in a row as Smith fires over this time with a chance to win it for the US. 3-2 it remains with Sweden having to score to take it to sudden death...

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Penalty shoot-out

12:40 , Ben Fleming

SAVED! More drama as Naeher gets down low to her left to deny the substitute Blomqvist.

America with a chance to win it...

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Penalty shoot-out

12:39 , Ben Fleming

RAPINOE MISSES! The experience of Rapinoe counts for nothing as she fires over the bar. The US fail to take advantage and it stays 3-2.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Penalty shoot-out

12:39 , Ben Fleming

OVER! Sweden blink first as Bjorn blazes over the bar with her right foot. Advantage USA who lead 3-2 now.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Penalty shoot-out

12:38 , Ben Fleming

One of the late subs, Mewis, is up next for the US...and converts! The defending champs edge ahead once more. They lead 3-2.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Penalty shoot-out

12:37 , Ben Fleming

Rubensson is next up for Sweden...and she fires home! Four perfect penalties so far and we are level at 2-2.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Penalty shoot-out

12:37 , Ben Fleming

The US captain, Horan, takes the second penalty for her side...and makes no mistake! She goes the same way as Sullivan and Musovic is beaten.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Penalty shoot-out

12:36 , Ben Fleming

Rolfo to take first for Sweden...expertly done! Into the right side-netting and Sweden draw level.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Penalty shoot-out

12:35 , Ben Fleming

The penalties are taken in front of the end with the Swedish fans with America taking first.

It’s Sullivan up first for the defending champion...and she scores! Low to the left and Musovic could do nothing about that.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

12:30 , Ben Fleming

TO PENALTIES! 120 minutes can’t separate these two sides and we are heading to penalties.

The US were the better side in regular time with Musovic keeping Sweden in it with a number of smart saves. Truth be told, in extra time, moments of quality were few and far between but that speaks to the diminishing energy levels of the players more than anything else.

Who will hold their nerve? Can the defending champions advance? Or will Sweden prevail?

Find out shortly...

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

12:28 , Ben Fleming

120 mins: Aa late double change for the US, perhaps with penalties in mind, as Kelley O'Hara and Kristie Mewis are introduced for Sonnett and Fox.

One minute of additional time.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

12:25 , Ben Fleming

118 mins: A free-kick deep on the right for the US which Rapinoe delivers. It’s a poor delivery from the substitute which is cleared away easily by Sweden.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

12:24 , Ben Fleming

116 mins: Another promising position for a cross from Williams but it’s a poor delivery which goes behind all the US attackers in the box.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

12:19 , Ben Fleming

112 mins: A late change for Sweden as Rebecka Blomqvist replaces Blackstenius up front.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

12:18 , Ben Fleming

110 mins: A real lack of care from Sweden the few times they have been on the ball in extra time. It sure looks like they are playing for penalties at this point.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

12:15 , Ben Fleming

107 mins: Smith has gone up front with Morgan departing and she is the latest to force a save from Musovic with the Swede palming it around the post for a corner.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

12:14 , Ben Fleming

106 mins: Just a quick break in half-time of extra time and we are back underway for the final 15.

Will we have a winner?

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

12:12 , Ben Fleming

105 mins: Half-time! The first 15 minutes of extra time and still no goals.

15 more minutes or it’s a penalty shootout to decide this quater-final.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

12:07 , Ben Fleming

101 mins: SAVE! More inspired keeping from Musovic who gets down low to deny Williams this time. Rapinoe can’t quite get on the end of the rebound before Horan’s effort is deflected behind for a corner.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

12:04 , Ben Fleming

99 mins: The US turn to their bench now as Megan Rapinoe is introduced at last. It’s Morgan who makes way up front.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

12:02 , Ben Fleming

97 mins: Angeldal goes down after a challenge with Sullivan and is withdrawn with Hanna Bennison coming on in her place.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

12:01 , Ben Fleming

96 mins: Alex Morgan has come alive in these last ten minutes as she stings the palms of Musovic again with a sharp effort from a tight angle.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

11:59 , Ben Fleming

93 mins: A bright start to extra time for Sweden who just can’t create the opening for a shot on goal. Eventually, a cross into the box draws a foul on US keeper Naeher and they have a free-kick.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

11:55 , Ben Fleming

91 mins: And we are underway in the first half of extra time!

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

11:51 , Ben Fleming

FULL-TIME: And extra time it is! No goals in the first 90 minutes so we’ll continue for at least another 30.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

11:49 , Ben Fleming

90 mins: Just two minutes of added time in this second half. Extra time looming...

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

11:48 , Ben Fleming

89 mins: SAVE! A huge stop from Musovic to keep Sweden’s hopes alive. Morgan has had the fewest touches of any player who started the match but thought she’d found a vital one there.

She meets Williams’ cross with a good header but the Sweeden keeper gets down sharply to her right to parry the effort away.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

11:46 , Ben Fleming

88 mins: A late corner for Sweden and it’s another dangerous inswinger. Morgan heads it away bravely at the near post before Angeldal slices well wide with an effort from the edge of the box.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

11:44 , Ben Fleming

85 mins: CHANCE! Well, it’s taken 85 minutes but Sweden finally have a shot on target. Jakobsson, off the bench, drifts in from the right and the US defenders continue to back off. She tries her luck on goal but it’s straight down the throat of Naeher who makes the regulation save.

Should she have done better with that chance?

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

11:42 , Ben Fleming

84 mins: Morgan fires into the side netting from a tight angle but the American striker was in an offside position regardless.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

11:39 , Ben Fleming

82 mins: Under ten minutes to go as Sweden turn to their bench for the first time with a double change. Sofia Jakobsson and Lina Hurtig come on with Kaneryd and Asllani the two making way.

We are heading for extra time, aren’t we?

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

11:34 , Ben Fleming

76 mins: Another chance comes and goes for America as the ball arrives at the feet of Sonnett on the edge of the box. The midfielder lets fly but sends it well over the bar.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

11:30 , Ben Fleming

72 mins: A promising first burst from Williams off the bench, who easily has the beating of Andersson. She clips in a tempting cross but nobody in a white shirt gambles and Sweden can clear.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

11:26 , Ben Fleming

68 mins: Asllani swings in another dangerous free-kick but Naeher impresses once again, rising high and claiming the ball with Eriksson looking to nod home.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

11:24 , Ben Fleming

66 mins: The first change as the US bring off Rodman with Lynn Williams coming on to replace her in the forward line.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

11:21 , Ben Fleming

63 mins: More trouble for Sweden down the US right. This time it’s Smith who picks up the ball in plenty of space inside the box, but it’s a poor first touch from the winger which allows Musovic to close down the shooting opportunity.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

11:18 , Ben Fleming

59 mins: More possession for the US who have picked up where they left off in the first half. Megan Rapinoe is warming up on the touchline - how long until the US turn to her off the bench?

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

11:15 , Ben Fleming

57 mins: Horan, again, growing in influence in this second half as she combines well with Morgan on the edge of the box. The captain takes aim but slices her effort well wide of goal.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

11:12 , Ben Fleming

53 mins: SAVE! A wonderful stop from Musovic to deny Horan. She had America’s best chance of the first half and catches this strike sweetly but it’s a superb stop from the Sweden keeper, down low to her left, to parry it around the post for a corner.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

11:10 , Ben Fleming

52 mins: A noticeably more aggressive press higher up the pitch from Sweden but that presents opportunities for the US if they can successfully bypass it. They nearly do on this occasion as Rodman gets space out on the right but the youngster is caught in two minds and it’s cleared out for a corner.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

11:07 , Ben Fleming

49 mins: The first yellow card of the game is shown to Asllani after a late challenge on Ertz.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

11:03 , Ben Fleming

46 mins: And we are underway in the second half! How will Sweden look to come out early in this second half after that poor end to the first half?

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

10:58 , Ben Fleming

HALF-TIME: After their impressive group-stage performances, that was a somewhat disappointing first half from the Swedes. Just two shots (none on target) and a real lack of control on the ball.

Peter Gerhardsson’s side will need to be much-improved after the break if they are to force the issue and put the US on the back foot.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

10:49 , Ben Fleming

HALF TIME: Well, we don’t get any extension of the added time as the referee blows for half time right on the 47-minute mark.

It’s goalless at the break but the US will be the happier of the two sides having created the game’s best opportunities.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

10:46 , Ben Fleming

45 mins: Just the two minutes of added time is signalled but we may get a bit more with Andersson still recovering from that blow to the nose.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

10:45 , Ben Fleming

44 mins: A slight stoppage before the break as Andersson goes down having been accidentally caught by a Rodman’s elbow.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

10:41 , Ben Fleming

40 mins: 61% possession so far for the US as we approach the break. For all the talk of an American team on the decline, this has been a composed and controlled performance so far from the defending champions.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

10:35 , Ben Fleming

34 mins: OFF THE BAR! So close to an opener for the US. Sweden’s set-piece threat was all the talk heading into the match but it’s the US who almost score from a corner this time.

Horan rises well but sees her header cannon off the upright with Musovic beaten.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

10:31 , Ben Fleming

30 mins: The game just starting to open up at both ends now. Horan can’t quite force an effort on goal after some good work from Smith before Sweden break.

The ball falls to Blackstenius in the box who, like Horan, can’t create space for the shot and the US clear.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

10:28 , Ben Fleming

27 mins: SAVE! The first big save of the night as Musovic denies Rodman! Again, it’s poor from Sweden as Angeldal gives the ball away very cheaply in their own half.

Rodman drives into the box, getting the better of Andersson before trying to drive one across goal. Musovic is equal to it, though, and palms the effort away.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

10:23 , Ben Fleming

22 mins: Ertz concedes another corner which the US have to defend. It’s another fantastic delivery, landing right on top of a crowded six-yard box but it’s fantastically dealt with again from Naeher who rises well to punch the ball away, winning a foul in the process.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

10:20 , Ben Fleming

18 mins: The first real chance on goal and it’s sloppy from Sweden who gift the ball to the US inside their own half. Rodman latches onto the loose ball, driving at the heart of the defence before letting fly from the edge of the box.

It’s well hit but a comfortable height for Musovic who parries it away.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

10:15 , Ben Fleming

14 mins: A nice spell of possession for the US but Sweden are very comfortable keeping their shape and, thus far, have been untroubled by the attacking patterns of play from their opposition.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

10:10 , Ben Fleming

9 mins: The first corner of the evening for Sweden: an area they will be looking to target today as they all tournament. They crowd the six-yard box and it’s a dangerous in-swinging corner but Naeher does well come through a crowded box and punch the ball clear.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

10:08 , Ben Fleming

6 mins: Another positive burst down the right sees Morgan cut it back to Smith inside the box. The winger can’t get her shot off from around the six-yard box before the ball is cleared. Sullivan picks it up on the edge of the box and tries her luck, but it sails wide of the right post.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

10:03 , Ben Fleming

2 mins: United States break with speed down the left and it’s Morgan on the ball, charging into the area. She has options but goes alone, cutting into the area before running into a crowd and losing the ball.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA 0-0 Sweden

10:01 , Ben Fleming

Kick-off! USA get this match started and we are underway here in Melbourne.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA vs Sweden

09:59 , Ben Fleming

Today’s match is live on ITV 1 in the UK, with the winner facing Japan in the quarter-finals.

You can see all the full schedule for the Women’s World Cup knockout stages, here:

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA v Sweden

09:58 , Ben Fleming

We are moments away from kick-off now! This game is the most-played fixture in Women’s World Cup history and today should hopefully serve up another classic.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA vs Sweden

09:41 , Jamie Braidwood

The USA fans always travel well for the Women’s World Cup, however there were loads of fans wearing USA shirts in Sydney this morning.

The defending champions would have played in Sydney had they won Group E... but the finished second to the Netherlands.

Looks like lots of people assumed they would be in Sydney, not Melbourne today.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA vs Sweden

09:31 , Jamie Braidwood

Carli Lloyd’s criticism of the USA team, following their 0-0 draw against Portugal:

“I made some comments when I retired in 2021. I felt a shift within this team and federation, the culture and mentality. The importance and meaning from winning has changed, the importance now comes from what comes from winning.

“It started to shift post-2020. There are a lot of off-the-field things that are happening but you never want to take anything for granted. You put on that jersey and you want to give it everything you have for the people before you and the people that are going to come after you.

“I’m just not seeing that passion. I’m just seeing a very lacklustre, uninspiring, taking it for granted [mentality] where winning and training and doing all that you can to be the best possible individual player is not happening.

”There’s a difference between being respectful to the fans and saying hello to your families but to be dancing and smiling...the player of the match was that post, they are lucky to not be going home right now.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA vs Sweden

09:16 , Jamie Braidwood

Amanda Ilestedt is Sweden’s top scorer at the World Cup with three goals... even though she is a centre-back.

The defender, who will be joining Arsenal next season, is Sweden’s not-so-secret weapon from corner kicks.

Will Sweden be able to deal with her threat at the front post?

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA vs Sweden

09:09 , Jamie Braidwood

Team news!

Megan Rapinoe remains on the bench for the USA, who are without the suspended Rose Lavelle. Julie Ertz moves into midfield as replacement, while Trinity Rodman starts in attack alongside Sophia Smith and Alex Morgan.

USA: Naeher; Fox, Girma, Sonnett, Dunn; Ertz, Horan, Sullivan; Smith, Morgan, Rodman

Subs: Murphy, Sanchez, Huerta, O’Hara, Williams, Thompson, DeMelo, Cook, Rapinoe, Lavelle, Mewis, Kingsbury

Sweden: Musovic; Bjorn, Erikkson, Ilestedt, Andersson; Kaneryd, Assllani, Angeldal, Rubensson, Rolfo; Blackstenius

Subs: Falk, Sembrant, Lennartsson, Sandberg, Janogy, Hurtig, Jakobsson, Blomqvist, Seger, Bennison, Schough, Enblom.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA vs Sweden

08:56 , Jamie Braidwood

The USA are still clinging on to their defence of the World Cup, but only just. Portugal’s Ana Capeta, brought on in stoppage time, came within the width of a post from sending the two-time defending champions crashing out of the tournament. If that’s how close the USA came to a first World Cup defeat since 2015, it’s a clear indication of how fragile their dominance appears to be. After only scraping through Group E as runners-up and with Sweden, who thrashed the USA at the Olympics two years ago, likely to be next in the last-16, there is little confidence that this is the same side who entered the tournament as favourites.

Had Captea’s shot caught the inside of the post then the World Cup would have staged its biggest shock yet, with the dethroning of the four-time winners. Yet, even though Capeta’s strike agonisingly rebounded out, the nerves at the end as the USA survived only confirmed what many thought ahead of the World Cup. After draws against the Netherlands and Portugal, the first time the USA have ever failed to win two games in the World Cup group stage, it is clear that the gap between the defending champions and the rest of the world has closed.

Report from the previous round after the USA escaped against Portugal

USA’s narrow escape spells the end of Women’s World Cup dominance

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA vs Sweden

09:52 , Jamie Braidwood

Today’s match is live on ITV 1 in the UK, and ITV X.

The winner will head back to New Zealand to take on Japan in the quarter-finals.

You can find the knockout schedule and how to watch, here:

Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA vs Sweden

08:33 , Jamie Braidwood

The USA and Sweden are bringing some strong looks to Melbourne and the World Cup knockout stages:

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA vs Sweden

08:19 , Jamie Braidwood

Former United States women’s national team player Carli Lloyd labelled USA’s performance against Portugal “lacklustre” and “uninspiring” as they almost crashed out of the World Cup in the group stages.

The defending champions needed to avoid defeat but were inches away from elimination when Portugal substitute Ana Capeta struck the post in stoppage time.

The USA held on to scrape a 0-0 draw, enough to secure progress to the last-16 while knocking Portugal out, but the four-time winners missed out on top spot in Group E with Lloyd highly critical of the display from her former side.

Carli Lloyd slams former teammates as USA almost crash out of Women’s World Cup

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA vs Sweden

08:01 , Jamie Braidwood

The Netherlands topped Group E ahead of the United States and are now through to the quarter-finals.

Can the USA join them? Both teams from Group C defeated opposition from Group A yesterday with Japan and Spain.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA vs Sweden

07:48 , Jamie Braidwood

Can Sweden knock out the USA?

After finishing runner-up in Group E, the USA will face a Sweden side who are organised, defensively sound and confident at keeping the ball – essentially everything the USA are not.

Along with Japan, Sweden have been one of the most efficient teams in front of goal at the World Cup, but a key difference is much of their threat has come from set-pieces and the deliveries from Jonna Andersson, with Amanda Ilestedt a frequent target at the front post, leading to three goals already.

Sweden thrashed the USA 3-0 when they met in the group stages of the Olympics two years ago: a repeat would be a hugely humbling way for the defending champion’s dominant run at the World Cup to end, albeit an inevitable one given their run so far.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA vs Sweden

07:26 , Jamie Braidwood

What’s gone wrong for the USA?

The USA are having a crisis of confidence, given the sense that their reign as two-time champions is drawing to a close and a fan base that is close to meltdown back home.

Having narrowly avoided a group stage exit against Portugal, coach Vlatko Andonovski has drawn much of the heat for the USA’s insipid performances.

The debate off the pitch over what has gone wrong has been fierce, yet the team’s displays have so far lacked any of that same emotion.

Andonovski’s side showed some glaring flaws against the Netherlands and Portugal, with no control in midfield and no sense of how to press or create chances,

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA vs Sweden

07:11 , Jamie Braidwood

In case you missed the news overnight, Keira Walsh has returned to full England training ahead of the Women’s World Cup last-16 match against Nigeria on Monday, just days after the Lionesses midfielder was stretchered off against Denmark.

It was confirmed that Walsh had not suffered an ACL injury after she was left on crutches following England’s second match of the World Cup, although the Champions League winner remained with the squad following scans.

Walsh missed England’s 6-1 win over China in the final match of Group C, with Sarina Wiegman changing her formation to a 3-5-2 in the midfielder’s absence, but her quick return to training has boosted hopes that the 26-year-old could play again at the tournament.

Wiegman will give an update as to whether Walsh will be available for selection at her press conference in Brisbane later on Sunday, with England facing Nigeria in the last-16 clash the following day.

Keira Walsh returns to England training in Women’s World Cup boost

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA vs Sweden

06:49 , Jamie Braidwood

United States coach Vlatko Andonovski mounted an impassioned defence of his team’s standards and said criticism of their World Cup campaign was unfair as the defending champions prepare for Sunday’s round of 16 clash against Sweden.

The USA head into their first knock-out clash in Melbourne under fire after having scraped through the group phase with draws against the Netherlands and Portugal.

Retired USA great Carli Lloyd gave a scathing assessment of the Portugal game, saying the post that saved the Americans in stoppage time was “player of the match”.

Andonovski said the criticism was out of order: “For someone again to question the standards .... and mindset of this team after everything that they do, I personally don’t think it’s the right time to do that,” he told reporters on Saturday.

“And I don’t think it’s the right thing as well. I’m very happy with where they’re (the players) at, how they hold themselves accountable and they keep raising the standards.”

Reuters

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA vs Sweden

06:48 , Jamie Braidwood

In-form Sweden are confident they can beat holders United States in Sunday’s Women’s World Cup last 16 tie when they go head-to-head on Sunday, the latest in a long list of clashes between the two heavyweights at major tournaments.

The two teams have met in six previous editions of the World Cup, each time in the group stage. Sweden ended the Americans’ 2016 Rio Olympic run in the quarter-final and won 3-0 in the group stage at the 2021 Tokyo Games.

They had contrasting routes to this year’s knockout stage, with Sweden topping their group with a perfect record while the U.S. scraped through after finishing runners-up. But the third-ranked Swedes are not expecting anything less than the best.

“I don’t care about favourites and things like that,” coach Peter Gerhardsson said. “We have the possibility to win the game, and that’s the most important thing... We know what we’re up against.

“You can talk about revenge or underdog mentality. For me, that’s not going to make the difference tomorrow. It’s the players who play. The history is nothing.

“I have great confidence in this squad and in all the preparations that we’ve made... Our feeling is that we believe we can win this game.”

Reuters

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Netherlands 2-0 South Africa

06:37 , Jamie Braidwood

South Africa’s players soaked in the applause at the end; although defeated by the Netherlands, they left the Women’s World Cup with their heads held high. After reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time, a place in the quarter-finals proved to be a step too far but only after they pushed the 2019 runners-up in a contest that could have played out very differently on another day. It took a sensational performance from Netherlands goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar to end South Africa’s dream run.

Van Domselaar was superb, player of the match after denying the excellent Thembi Kgatlana while she threatened to tear the Netherlands apart. Kgatlana was electric, with the noise inside the stadium rising as the waves of South Africa counter-attacks rolled towards goal, Despite Jill Roord’s early opener, the equaliser felt like it was coming as long as Kgatlana could repeatedly run at the terrified Dutch defence. A Netherlands system and philosophy that is built on possession and control could do nothing to stop the South Africa captain once she took off.

But thankfully for the Netherlands, they still had Van Domselaar, and without her this last-16 tie could have veered off course.

South Africa exit the Women’s World Cup having left their mark

06:04 , Jamie Braidwood

Desiree Ellis with a passionate plea for the South Africa team to be given more support and sponsorship:

“We could have won the World Cup. When I look at the tournament and how it unfolded, we could have done it. We don’t want to be in the situation where in four years it’s the same again. We need support from corporates, we need support from the Government, we need a professional league.”

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