The curse for any Womens' World Cup champion in the Olympic games continued today, as the USWNT failed to make it to the semi-finals after losing against Sweden.
The Stars & Stripes were down with 25 minutes left in the clock, but Alex Morgan's late goal gave them a life line and sent the game to extra time.
During the added 30 minutes, both teams were damaged by some poor refereeing, following a couple of disallowed goals that sent the game to penalties.
Alex Morgan's first shot was deflected, meaning that the USWNT would have to come from behind. Hope Solo saved the third Swedish shot, making all even, but Christen Press failed to score the final shot for the Americans, leaving way for Lisa Dahlkvist to score the game-winning goal for Sweden.
Watch the full penalty shootout here. (Content may be geo-restricted)
Complete penalty shoot out! Congrats #SWE #RioOlympics2016 #USAvSWE @LisaDahlkvist @hedvig_lindahl pic.twitter.com/Hx0lDiHR07
— WoSo Comps (@WoSoComps) August 12, 2016
Since the 1995 Womens' World Cup, no team arriving into the Olympic tournament as World Champion has been able to win the Gold Medal.
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Of course, the team's early elimination caused a wide variety of comments around the world. Most of them supportive, but also some with harsh criticism against a team that's used to win it all. Here are the best comments.
#USWNT just failed to reach the semis of a major tournament for the first time, ever
— Allison McCann (@atmccann) August 12, 2016
The #USWNT had never beaten #SWE while Pia their head coach in last 3 years. Today proved just as difficult. Hats off to Sweden. #Rio2016
— Julie Foudy (@JulieFoudy) August 12, 2016
I love this team with all my heart. I'm so heartbroken right now. I don't know what to do
— Uswnt (@uswntobsessed5) August 12, 2016
i am sick and heartbroken. i love them. i still support them. i am disappointed
— uswnt love (@uswntlove8) August 12, 2016
USA right now...#USWNT #USAvSWE pic.twitter.com/7R2MmJhEcC
— Crying Jordan (@CryingJordan) August 12, 2016
Alex Morgan's transformation after losing to Sweeden... #USAvSWE #USWNT pic.twitter.com/B4bl7o0Kzj
— Crying Jordan (@CryingJordan) August 12, 2016
When you realize the USWNT won't even medal at the Olympics pic.twitter.com/8hq4gn7cZU
— Sarah Kelliher (@sarahkelliher4) August 12, 2016
Disaster and failure for #USWNT.
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) August 12, 2016
All of the USA right now... #USWNT #USAvSWE pic.twitter.com/vTM0Y9OlCX
— Fake SportsCenter (@FakeSportsCentr) August 12, 2016
Proud of the fight from the #USWNT. Hold your heads up! You represented America well and we're proud of you!
— Tim Howard (@TimHowardGK) August 12, 2016
Heartbroken for my friends and teammates on the #USWNT. Always proud of how you represent our country penalties are so brutal
— Yael Averbuch (@Yael_Averbuch) August 12, 2016
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