The era of US dominance in women's football has come to an end as the American team exited the World Cup in a heart-wrenching penalty shoot-out against Sweden. The match took place on Sunday, August 6, in Melbourne, leaving fans and players alike in disbelief.
The United States, winners of the last two Women's World Cups and four of the eight previous editions, had never before been eliminated before the semi-final stage. This time, however, they faced an unexpected exit in the last 16, managing to secure only one victory in Australia and New Zealand – a rather unconvincing 3-0 win over Vietnam.
Vlatko Andonovski's squad faced challenges throughout the tournament, drawing 1-1 with the Netherlands and narrowly escaping elimination by clinging to a draw against Portugal to qualify for the knockout phase. Despite a valiant effort against Sweden, which saw them dominate the game, they failed to secure a win in normal time due to the brilliance of opposing goalkeeper Zecira Musovic.
The US captain, Lindsey Horan, acknowledged the increasing competitiveness of the World Cup, stating before the tournament that it would be the most competitive ever. Indeed, this year's event demonstrated that the rest of the world has caught up, with European teams showcasing significant progress in women's football.
Megan Rapinoe, an icon of the sport and a key player in the US team's previous World Cup victories, had hoped to retire on a high note at the age of 38. However, her final act for her country ended in disappointment as she missed her crucial penalty against Sweden.
With the likes of Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, and Kelley O'Hara, all in their mid-thirties, this World Cup may have marked the end of an era for these veteran players. Nevertheless, the US squad has shown promise with several young players making their debut on the international stage.
Coach Vlatko Andonovski expressed optimism about the team's future, highlighting the valuable experience gained by the younger players in this challenging tournament. However, questions loom over his future as the coach, with his contract reportedly expiring at the end of the year.
Looking ahead, the US will aim to bounce back in the upcoming Paris Olympics in search of their fifth gold medal. Additionally, they have their sights set on co-hosting the 2027 World Cup with Mexico, hoping to reclaim their position at the top of women's football.
As the dust settles on the US team's World Cup journey, one thing is clear: the era of American dominance may have ended, but the passion for the sport and the quest for victory remain undiminished. The future may hold uncertainties, but with determination and talent, the United States will strive to once again leave their mark on the world stage.
Note: This article is based on information sourced from Le Monde with AFP. The full article can be accessed here.
