FIFA Women’s World Cup Penalty Shootout

In a nerve-wracking match that could make the stomach twist, Sweden advanced to the quarterfinals, putting an end to the two-time defending champion’s quest for an unprecedented third successive world title, thanks to an exhilarating penalty shootout win in Melbourne on Sunday.

The fate of the match was determined by the video assistant referee (VAR). Referee Stéphanie Frappart, after examining the play, concluded that Lina Hurtig’s penalty had indeed crossed the line, even though the US’ Alyssa Naeher seemed to have saved it by getting her hands on the ball. The Swedish players jubilantly celebrated the 5-4 victory in the penalty shootout, while tears were shed by the US team, whose journey came to an end in the round-of-16. This marks the earliest exit the US has ever experienced in a Women’s World Cup.