New Round, Familiar Foe, Renewed Focus
U.S. Women’s National Team Heads into Round of 16 With Sights Squarely Set on Sweden
Death. Taxes. USA vs. Sweden.
As has been proven time and time again during this highly entertaining 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, there are no certainties in soccer, much less in a major tournament. But the closest thing to a “sure thing” might be a matchup between the USA and Sweden.
The latest chapter in that rivalry will be written on August 6 when the teams square off in Melbourne/Naarm at 7 p.m. local/5 a.m. ET (FOX, Telemundo, Universo and Peacock) with a spot in the World Cup quarterfinal on the line.
“It wouldn’t be a major tournament if we weren’t facing Sweden,” said midfielder and team captain Lindsey Horan. “We know that they are a very good team. Every tournament that we’ve played them in is a massive battle. We know what they can bring, we know what we can bring and I think that’s the main focus right now – what we can do to expose them and go out and win this game. It’s going to be a battle. It’s the Round of 16. It’s a knockout game.”
Sweden heads into the match with having won Group G with three wins in three matches. The USA, which finished second in Group E following a win over Vietnam and draws against the Netherlands and Vietnam, is focused on the next 90 minutes ahead and has embraced the excitement and pressure that awaits in the knockout rounds.
“We are not panicking,” said forward Lynn Williams. “We have made it to the Round of 16 and we haven’t played our best soccer yet, which I think is the most exciting part for us. We are a team that is going to battle.”
“This is what we’re playing for,” said Horan. “We’re playing for these big matches, we’re playing for these big moments, these pressure cookers. That’s what we want to be a part of. We’re going to take that pressure and we’re going to go with it and focus on ourselves. At the end of the day, it’s the World Cup.”
A place that is perfect for yet another edition of the USA-Sweden rivalry.