Sweden ends USA’s 44-match unbeaten run
The world champions were stunned 3-0 in Tokyo with striker Stina Blackstenius scoring twice, before substitute Lina Hurtig added a third for Sweden
United States forward Megan Rapinoe said they “got bopped” and did “dumb stuff” as they lost their opening match to Sweden at the Olympic Games.
The world champions were stunned 3-0 in Tokyo with striker Stina Blackstenius scoring twice, before substitute Lina Hurtig added a third for Sweden.
It ended a run of 44 games unbeaten for the USA coming into the Olympics.
“I thought we were a little bit nervous, a bit tight, doing dumb stuff,” Rapinoe said.
Sweden were without Chelsea captain Magdalena Eriksson, while the USA started with key players Rose Lavelle, Sam Mewis, Alex Morgan, Tobin Heath and Lindsey Horan.
The USA were knocked out by Sweden, who went on to win silver, on penalties in the quarter-finals five years ago.
US coach Vlatko Andonovski added: “It’s obvious we put ourselves in a big hole, but we’re the only ones who can get ourselves out of it.
“It’s not going to be easy. We’ve got to get positive results in the next two games, but the fact there is still a chance [means] I know this team is not going to give up.”
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