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USWNT makes early World Cup exit, falling to Sweden in shootout stunner

MELBOURNE, Australia — The U.S. women’s national soccer team bowed out of the World Cup at the earliest stage in its glorious history Sunday, losing to Sweden in the round of 16 following 120 scoreless minutes and a wild penalty-kick shootout.

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Sweden advanced to the quarterfinals against Japan with a 5-4 decision.

The two-time defending champions did almost everything right through most of the cold night, but Swedish goalkeeper Zecira Musovic made six sensational saves in regulation and extra time.