World Cup last-16: USA vs Sweden – Match preview, live stream, kick-off time, prediction, team news, lineups
Sunday’s second game sees former champions USA face a near-perfect form from Sweden in a tough match-up that will see one eliminated from the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
The USA went into the tournament as the favourites to win, but after a shaky start hopes of them progressing beyond the last-16 have begun to fade.
Sweden on the other hand, have had a great start to the 2023 tournament. Along with England and Japan they picked up all available points from the group stages having won all their games.
- Match 52: Sweden vs United States (10:00, Melbourne) – ITV
- 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup fixtures for Sunday 6 August
Match preview
Sweden may have topped their group, but the number one team in the Fifa ranking – the USA found themselves in second place in Group E after a win, and two draws.
Sweden preview
After narrowly securing a late victory over South Africa in their tournament opener, Sweden showcased their true potential in their second group match against Italy, effortlessly cruising to a resounding 5-0 win. This dominant performance ensured their place in the last 16 with a game to spare.
Even with nine changes to their lineup for the Wednesday clash with Argentina, Sweden displayed their strength and determination, claiming all three points in a well-deserved 2-0 victory. Rebecka Blomqvist, the Wolfsburg striker, broke the deadlock in the 66th minute, and later, Elin Rubensson, coming off the bench, coolly converted a late penalty to seal the win.
Remarkably, Sweden is one of only three teams to have achieved a perfect record in all three group games at the tournament, making them a formidable force in the competition. As they prepare to face the defending world champions, they will draw confidence from their recent encounter with the USA during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where they triumphed with a commanding 3-0 victory in the group stage.
Sweden are in fine form and we don’t see them stumbling here. They have the skill and momentum behind them to go all the way.
USA Preview
The USA faced some stumbling moments in the group phase, despite starting the tournament with a convincing 3-0 victory over Vietnam. After securing a crucial point against the Netherlands with Lindsey Horan’s second-half equaliser, the USA knew they had to avoid defeat against Portugal to secure a spot in the last 16.
They were on the brink of elimination as Portugal’s Ana Capeta struck the post in stoppage time, resulting in a goalless draw. Although their performances in the group stage may have left them frustrated, the USA remains a resilient and formidable team, having gone unbeaten in their last 12 international matches (winning 10 and losing 2).
Throughout the history of the Women’s World Cup, the USA has never been eliminated before the semi-final stage, and their last defeat in the tournament dates back to the 2011 final, where they lost to Japan on penalties. Despite the challenges faced in the group stage, the team is known for their fighting spirit and determination, and they will be eager to prove themselves as they progress in the competition.
Team News
After making wholesale changes for Matchday Two, Peter Gerhardsson is expected to revert back to the side that started the first two matches.
Amanda Ilestedt, who has scored three goals at the tournament, will start in central defence alongside Magdalena Eriksson, while Nathalie Bjorn and Jonna Andersson will operate as the two full-backs.
Barcelona Fridolina Rolfo has scored in both of her two appearances at the Women’s World Cup finals, and she will be looking to add to her tally when she lines up on the left flank on Sunday.
As for the USA, Vlatko Andonovski is expected to stick with a back four featuring Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, Julie Ertz and Crystal Dunn.
After picking up her second yellow card of the tournament against Portugal, Rose Lavelle will miss the last-16 tie through suspension.
As a result, Savannah Demelo could be brought into the side to feature in midfield alongside Andi Sullivan and Horan.
Sweden Women possible starting lineup:
Musovic; Bjorn, Ilestedt, Eriksson, Andersson; Angeldal, Rubensson; Rytting Kaneryd, Asllani, Rolfo; Blackstenius
USA Women possible starting lineup:
Naeher; Fox, Grima, Ertz, Dunn; Demelo, Sullivan, Horan; Williams, Smith, Morgan
WTX Sport – Sweden 3-0 USA
There is nothing to suggest Sweden will stumble now. All the pressure is on the US who have faced backlash from US media and fans for their performance in the group stages. Since the last world cup, there has been investments made in women’s football in Europe and it’s starting to show.
It won’t be an easy match, the US will put up a fight but Sweden’s skill will prevail. They have been in fine form this tournament – having won all three matches so far, scoring nine goals and conceding only one.