Summary:
- Fans worldwide watched the highly anticipated soccer match where the US faced Sweden in the women's World Cup.
- Team USA's loss came in penalty kicks after a closely contested game against Sweden.
- Despite the loss, fans felt a mix of emotions, proud of the team's improved performance.
- Supporters gathered as early as 4 a.m. at venues like Mary Margaret's Old Irish Tavern to watch the game.
- Former Division one soccer player Rachel Jolly expressed disappointment but also found inspiration in the tournament's level of play.
Millions of fans around the world flocked to their TVs today to watch one of this year's most anticipated soccer matches. The US needed to win against Sweden to advance to the women's World Cup semi-finals. The game wasn't without drama, coming down to penalty kicks where they ultimately lost five to four.
From the highs to the lows, team USA lost to Sweden Sunday after a video assistant referee showed Sweden's final penalty kick crossing the goal line by a fraction of a centimeter. Fans had mixed emotions, being sad and distraught but also very proud of how the girls played much better than in any other game. Despite the unlucky bounces, fans had gathered at early hours to support their team, even at places like Mary Margaret's Old Irish Tavern, which opened early for the game.
Former Division one soccer player Rachel Jolly, among others, expressed disappointment in the loss but also found inspiration in the level of play and competition in the tournament. The competition reflects the hopes of soccer icons like Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy, who envisioned this kind of progress decades ago.