The Knockout-Stage Showdown Between Sweden and the U.S. Is On

Sweden did what the United States couldn’t: It received the objectives it wanted, secured the win it wished, and marched towards the sport everybody anticipated.

Propelled by a second-half header by Rebecka Blomqvist and a late penalty kick by Elin Rubensson, Sweden earned a 2-0 victory in Hamilton, New Zealand, that despatched Argentina out of the World Cup and the Swedes right into a extremely anticipated spherical of 16 sport in opposition to the Americans on Sunday in Melbourne.

It will probably be joined within the spherical of 16 by South Africa, which surprised Italy, 3-2, with a purpose by Thembi Kgatlana two minutes into second-half harm time.

The purpose despatched South Africa to the knockouts for the primary time. It will face the Netherlands on Sunday in Sydney.

The larger showcase that day, although, would be the United States-Sweden matchup that had loomed as a risk for weeks. It actually ought to come as no shock: The groups will meet for the sixth straight World Cup, and for the seventh time total within the event.

The Americans have received 4 of the earlier 5 conferences, together with a 2-0 victory within the group stage 4 years in the past. But Sweden ran circles across the United States two years later on the Tokyo Olympics.

Its foremost benefit over the United States this time, although, could also be momentum. Sweden has appeared fearsome to this point at this World Cup, profitable all three of its first-round video games and outscoring its opponents by 10-1.