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US women fall to Sweden in penalty kicks

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United States' Megan Rapinoe stands on the pitch at the end of the Women's World Cup Group E soccer match between the United States and Vietnam at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, Saturday, July 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Cornaga)

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) -- The United States played its best game of this Women's World Cup and it's wasn't good enough to stop the two-time reigning champions from being eliminated from the tournament.

The Americans' bid to win an unprecedented third consecutive title ended Sunday on penalty kicks. Megan Rapinoe, Sophia Smith and Kelly O'Hara all missed penalties that could have given the United States the win.

Lina Hurtig converted and Sweden knocked the United States out of the World Cup 5-4 after a scoreless draw in regulation and extra time. The Americans controlled the shootout but O'Hara missed the Americans' final attempt and then Hurtig scored to give Sweden the win.

It is the earliest exit in tournament history for the United States, four-time winners of the World Cup.

"I mean, this is like a sick joke. For me personally, this is like dark comedy that I missed a penalty," Rapinoe said as she blinked back tears. "This is the balance to the beautiful side of the game. I think it can be cruel."

Starting at /week.