Cooked by Swedish Chefs

USA v Sweden. Ooof. Started out with some good fire and possession by the Americans, though Swedish defenders were like Volvo safety systems: always reliable and just where you need them.

The longer the game went on, the more U.S. pressed and fought, it felt like it was still possible that they could get through. Although the missed chances from Alex Morgan were painful right in front of our eyes. And yeah, even if it seemed possible it was starting to feel less probable with each passing attack. So many efforts to cross into Sweden's box and often behind or over any players in said box. This was the best game USA played but still wasn't enough.

As Maryke wrote, sure were plenty of fans for Sweden. Whether true fans or locals that had to cheer against the big bad Americans it felt more like men's World Cup games we've been at to support USA vs being there for one of the favorites.

Both sides had a number of missed chances, as if wanting to keep playing vs moving on. The penalty kick portion of the contest felt the same early on, too.

Coach Andonovski played players out of position and couldn't see the point of changing things via subs until it was nearly too late. Seattle Reign player Emily Sonnet had a great game, Megan Rapinoe on the other hand didn't, though I'd hoped when she came in at least her presence would help steady the US and maybe she'd have one more trick tucked in her shin guard. But no, and her spot kick was remarkable. Remarkable in that she'd never missed the entire goal in her previous PK efforts. Ever.

So after that happens, it's not seeming to be our night. But keeper Alyssa Naeher stepped up to take the #6 kick which is unusual for keepers to go that early. But she nailed it!

but Sophia Smith and Kelly O'Hara (no relation that we know of to Chief O'Hara of Gotham City PD) both missed as well so it came to Swedish player Lina Hurtig had the chance to seal it for Sweden. And despite all of Alyssa's great effort to deny her, technology came in to say it had barely scored. Whole ball over the whole line is the law, and tech showed a millimeter's space if anything was all it took.

Time to clear the decks and start over. USA won in 1991 & 1999 before the "barren" spell of 16 years to 2015. Three peat was always going to absolutely incredible, but there's definitely talent on this team that Coach Andonovski didn't use or use well and they will be back. Hell 2 Seattle Reign players didn't even get on the pitch and should have.

For now it's congrats to the meatballs from Sweden and here's hoping the OranjeLeeuwinnen can go all the way to the final!

Mork! Mork! Mork!