The US women’s national team will take on Sweden in the round of 16 on Sunday in Melbourne, Australia.
The American team qualified to the knockout round after managing second place in Group E with five points and a disappointing record. Though Vlatko Andonovski’s side cruised through the first group stage match with a 3-0 triumph over Vietnam, two consecutive lackluster performances forced a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands and 0-0 result vs Portugal.
Now, it’s a must win against Sweden. Here’s all you need to know about the upcoming game.
|
Country/Region |
TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
|
United States |
Fox, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Telemundo, Peacock Premium |
|
United Kingdom |
BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website |
|
Australia |
Optus Sport / Seven Network |
|
Canada |
TSN |
United States vs Sweden H2H record
The two countries have an extensive World Cup history, having faced off on five previous occasions on the global stage since 2003. But the American side hold the edge with a 3W-1D-1L record that the Swedish will try to knock this time around.
Beyond the World Cup, the USWNT boast a 9W-7D-4L record against Sweden.
Though fully fit, Rose Lavelle will be unavailable for the upcoming round of 16 match after receiving her second yellow card of the tournament in the match against Portugal. Trinity Rodman may also fail to feature against Sweden after training separately from the rest of the squad on Friday as she dealt with a cold, per a USSF spokesperson.
Andonovski admitted changes will be made after commenting on the recent disappointing performances:
“I know that the areas that we need to get better from, starting from the back how to connect with the midfielders and from the from the midfield to the forwards how to be more dangerous. … I think that we would have to get on the same page. When it comes down to the final ball, to the final pass and execution.”
(4-3-3): Naeher, Fox, Ertz, Girma, O’Hara; DeMelo, Sullivan, Horan (c); Smith, Morgan, Williams.
The match will not be easy, but the USWNT can tap into the talent they have. The American side also boasts a positive record against Sweden, boosting mentality.
“We know them very well, We know their strengths, we’ll be watching full with full attention,” said Alex Morgan when asked about their opponent. She has faced Sweden in every World Cup she’s featured in, and will no doubt use that to her and the team’s advantage.
If the USWNT can strengthen the midfield and connect when pushing forward, then we can expect a victory. No matter the result, it will not be a relaxing watch.
Prediction: United States 2-1 Sweden
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