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Sweden end USA 44 game unbeaten run in Olympic opener

Tournament favourites USA lost 3-0 to Sweden in their opening group game at the Tokyo Olympics. The...
Phil Egan
Phil Egan

12:19 PM - 21 Jul 2021



Sweden end USA 44 game unbeate...

Sport

Sweden end USA 44 game unbeaten run in Olympic opener

Phil Egan
Phil Egan

12:19 PM - 21 Jul 2021



Tournament favourites USA lost 3-0 to Sweden in their opening group game at the Tokyo Olympics.

The number one ranked team in the world were unbeaten since 2019 but it's not the first time they have tasted defeat at the Olympics against Sweden, who also got the better of them in the quarter-finals in 2016.

Seven out of 11 starters from that game in Rio started for the United States on Wednesday but the world champions were stunned by the Swedes.

Striker Stina Blackstenius scored a goal in each half for Sweden and any chance of a fightback from the USA were dashed 20 minutes from time when substitute Lina Hurtig added a third.

The USA - previously unbeaten in 44 games - were able to include the likes of Alex Morgan, Rose Lavelle, Sam Mewis,  Tobin Heath and Lindsey Horan in their starting 11 and not even the introduction of Megan Rapinoe or Carli Lloyd could spark a comeback.

The United States will face New Zealand next, while Sweden will play Australia in the group stage on Saturday.

The top two teams in their group of four will qualify for the knockout stages.

Elsewhere, Marta scored twice in Brazil's 5-0 win over China, while Ellen White grabbed both goals for Great Britain in their 2-0 win over Chile.

Indeed are proud to support Team Ireland at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Indeed believes the world works better when people are given every opportunity to unleash their true talents. #TalentUnleashed



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