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ABC News
ABC News
6 Aug 2023
ABC News


The United States is taking on Sweden on Sunday in a World Cup knockout match pitting the reigning champions against a hard-charging team on a winning streak.

The Round of 16 match began at 7 p.m. local time, or 5 a.m. ET, at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.

The U.S. squad were the favorites entering the tournament, having won the last two World Cups, held in 2019 and 2015. They were also top of the pile in 1999 and 1991.

PHOTO: Megan Rapinoe of the U.S. and teammates inside the stadium before their FIFA Women's World Cup Round of 16 match against Sweden in Melbourne, Australia, August 6, 2023.
Megan Rapinoe of the U.S. and teammates inside the stadium before their FIFA Women's World Cup Round of 16 match against Sweden in Melbourne, Australia, August 6, 2023.
Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/Reuters

But their footwork in the group stage didn't equate to many goals, or victories. They handily beat Vietnam in a 3-0 match, but their matches against the Netherlands and Portugal both ended in draws.

They exited the round with five points, trailing the Netherlands by two. This was the first time in Women's World Cup history that the U.S. earned fewer than six points during the group stage.

Sweden, which was ranked third in the tournament, was the runner up in 2003, their top placement since the initial 1991 tournament.

PHOTO: Sweden players inside the stadium before their FIFA Women's World Cup Round of 16 match against the United States in Melbourne, Australia, August 6, 2023.
Sweden players inside the stadium before their FIFA Women's World Cup Round of 16 match against the United States in Melbourne, Australia, August 6, 2023.
Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/Reuters

They topped their group with nine points after handily trouncing Argentina, Italy and South Africa. Only two other teams, England and Japan, left the group round undefeated.

The United States and Sweden have played each other in every Women's World Cup since 2003.

"It wouldn't be a major tournament if we weren't facing Sweden," Lindsey Horan, the U.S. captain, said.

PHOTO: United States fans outside the stadium before the Sweden vs. United States match on August 6, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia.
United States fans outside the stadium before the Sweden vs. United States match on August 6, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia.
Hannah Mckay/Reuters

She and Sophia Smith have so far been the USWNT's leading scorers, each netting two. No other player scored in the group stage.

Rose Lavelle will sit the match out after earning a yellow card accumulation suspension.

The winner of this match faces Japan in the quarterfinals.