Tokyo Olympics Rematch Set for World Cup Melbourne: The United States vs Sweden

MELBOURNE – It a matter of hours it will be Olympic Bronze versus Silver at Melbourne’s Rectangular Stadium. It’s eye-catching exterior structure is based on the geodesic dome designed by the American architect Richard Buckminster Fuller. 

The 30,000 seats that surround the pitch will soon be filled with animated fans to watch the much anticipated redo of the Summer of 2021 Olympics game between rivals Sweden and the United States.

Broadcast analysts are saying that the face-off has the making of being the highest watched match during this entertaining World Cup Tournament. 

The Round of 16 game will be played here on Sunday evening, August 6, at 7 p.m. or 3 a.m. MT back in the sweltering States.

The match is a sell out, so now it is down to the rest of the world to schedule their alarm clocks for kick-off time and cheer from their respective couches or temperature controlled beds.

The loser will be send packing. The winner will take a first-class flight over the Tasmana Sea to play the Japan in New Zealand in a quarterfinal match.

Two summers ago, the Swedes and the Lady Yanks went at each others ankles in Tokyo’s National Stadium. The atmosphere was much different then what is expected here. 

The postponed 2020 Olympics were played to locked-out audience because of the COVID-19 pandemic that was baring down on civilization.

Asked about the lack of supporters in the venue, Megan Rapinoe told National Public Radio, “I’m not going to lie, that part sucked. Obviously you go to a major tournament, one of the best parts is just the buzz that you get. I’m not saying that we should have fans. I don’t think we should, actually, so it is what it is.” 

It was the opener for the United States Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT). They faltered to a well organized and spirited Swedish side, 3-nil. 

The three direct blows to the team’s solar plexus have not been forgotten the game as a majority of the U.S. players here played in for the bronze medal in Japan. 

That loss ended the USWNT’s undefeated streak at 44 games, the second-longest in team history. 

It was USWNT’s first defeat under head coach Vlatko Andonovski. And the loss was the USA’s worst-ever defeat in an Olympic match and largest loss since falling 4-0 to Brazil in the semifinal of the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup. 

Like the FIFA No. 1 ranked United States, FIFA 3rd place ranked Sweden has played all three of it’s Group G in New Zealand. 

They advanced by defeating South Africa (FIFA 54th) 1-0, then Italy (FIFA 16th) 5-0 and finally, they beat Argentina (FIFA 28th), 2-0.

If the U.S. is to three-peat, their effort to sweep has to begin now. Neither team is a push over, and for that matter, practically every team from here on out.

It is fair to say that competitive athletes have strong memories, and those here who proudly wear Red, White and Blue are seeking vengeance. Equally, they hoping to avoid all out embarrassment in coming home sooner than expected. 

Team USA is still the betting person’s favorite to win the tournament. The U.S. has allowed only one shot on target thus far in the tournament. Their defensive unit has been stellar. They have outshot their three opponents, however, most attempts to score have sailed off target. That can easily change.

Only Colorado’s Lindsey Horan and Sophia Smith have found the back of the net with their attempts.

On the other hand, it appears that the early opponents of the United States have figured out how to suppress their attack. Successful methods that have been employed include pushing their fleet-footed wingers out to the sidelines, and preventing them, through defensive double and triple teaming, good chances at penetrating into the box. In addition, to the Yank’s opponent have had to deal compact midfield defenses. And frankly speaking, these schemes have been difficult for the Yank’s to breach. 

Like the United States, the FIFA 3rd place ranked Sweden, has played all three of it’s Group G in New Zealand. They advanced by defeating South Africa (FIFA 54th) 1-0, then Italy (FIFA 16th) 5-0 and finally, they beat Argentina (FIFA 28th), 2-0.

Both teams are packed with talent and roster depth. They will benefit from 30 minutes of added time should the game conclude in a tie. Additionally, a penalty shootout is available to determine an outright winner.

During an interview with ESPN, Sweden’s defender Nathalie Bjorn sounded off by saying, “When you play football, we want to have the ball and if the US has the ball too much they are going to control the game. We don’t want them to control the game. We want to have the ball and create our own chances, we need to be very critical in our press and try to make them force mistakes.” Then she added with a certain brashness in her voice, “We will have full focus on Sunday we will do everything we can as a team as individuals and then we’ll make sure that we knock out the US.”

Should it be at all pertinent tonight, the U.S. does have a record of 4W-1D-1L against Sweden at the World Cup, the lone loss coming in a 2-1 defeat to the Swedes in 2011 followed by a scoreless draw in 2015. The USA defeated Sweden 2-0 in the final group stage match of the 2019 Women’s World Cup behind a third-minute goal from Lindsey Horan and an own goal from Sweden in the 50th.

During her post practice press conference, Horan shared this insight into why the team has been so devitalized, “It’s that confidence, that belief in ourselves to do what we are most special at each of us individually, but also as a team and also finding the joy in it.” Horan then countered Bjorn with her own brand of chutzpa, “Once we get a little bit more of that joy back and that feeling, things are going to move a bit better.”

Of significance, the U.S. will play Sweden without the crafty services of midfielder Rose Lavelle. She will miss the match due to yellow card accumulation.

That all being said, let this Rock ‘Em Sock ‘En Knockout game begin! 

U.S. Women’s National Team Roster by Position (Club; Caps/Goals)

Goalkeepers (3): Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit; 1), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage; 14), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars; 94)

Defenders (7): Alana Cook (OL Reign; 25/1), Emily Fox (North Carolina Courage; 32/1), Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns FC; 135/24), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC; 19/0), Sofia Huerta (OL Reign; 31/0), Kelley O’Hara (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 159/3), Emily Sonnett (OL Reign; 76/1)

Midfielders (7): Savannah DeMelo (Racing Louisville FC; 3/0), Julie Ertz (Angel City FC; 121/20), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon, FRA; 132/29), Rose Lavelle (OL Reign; 91/24), Kristie Mewis (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 51/7), Ashley Sanchez (Washington Spirit; 25/3), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit; 48/3)

Forwards (6): Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave FC; 210/121), Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign; 201/63), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit; 21/4), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC; 33/14), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC; 6/0), Lynn Williams (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 54/15)

Photo Credit: John Babiak.

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