For the first time in its distinguished history, the U.S. women’s soccer team has failed to advance to the semifinals of a major tournament.
The three-time gold medalists were upset by Sweden on penalty kicks, 4-3, following a 1-1 draw Friday at Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia.
The top-ranked Americans had gotten past the quarterfinals in seven World Cups and five previous Olympics. But on this day, Sweden, guided by former U.S. coach Pia Sundhage, prevailed in the tiebreaker to claim a semifinal berth against Brazil or Australia Tuesday in Rio de Janeiro.
The United States (unbeaten in 18 prior matches this season) was attempting to become the first team to win World Cup and Olympic titles in consecutive years.