MELBOURNE: Defending champions USA got knocked out by Sweden in the pre-quarters of the Women’s World Cup on Sunday. In another pre-quarter, the Netherlands defeated South Africa to book a berth in the quarterfinals.

The America-Sweden match headed into a thrilling penalty shootout after both teams failed to score in the allowed first 90 mins time. There was no dearth of drama as the scoreline hanged in balance (3-3) after the first penalty shootout. Andy Sullivan, Lindsay Horan, and Kristie Mewis scored for the United States while Fridolina Rolfö, Elin Ingrid Johanna Rubensson, and Hanna Bennison scored for Sweden.

The stage was then set for sudden death and arguably it was one of the cruelest knockouts of the tournament as the scores went 5-4 in favor of Sweden. Sweden players were at their joyous best rampling the field in glee and amazement. It is the earliest the US has ever departed from a Women’s World Cup tournament.