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Women’s soccer has grown over 25 years, expanding from a small clan of countries that backed female participation to an expanding group of newcomers keen to make up ground. Amid the gains, though, founding teams have continued crossing paths in major competitions.
For the United States, Sweden has been a constant.
Friday’s Olympic quarterfinal clash in Brasilia will mark the seventh time they have collided in the World Cup or Olympics, all since 1991. Kickoff is at noon ET at Mane Garrincha Stadium (NBCSN). The winner will face Brazil or Australia in a semifinal Tuesday in Rio de Janeiro.
“It’s two storied programs — it’s going to be a great matchup,” U.S. Coach Jill Ellis said Thursday.
The sides have met in the group stage at each of the past four World Cups, most recently last summer for a 0-0 draw in Winnipeg, and have tangled 36 times overall. The Americans are more accustomed to playing only Canada (57), China (56) and Norway (49).
Familiarity spills beyond 90 minutes. Pia Sundhage, Sweden’s native-born born, guided the Americans to their 2008 and 2012 gold medals. U.S. Coach Jill Ellis and assistant Tony Gustavsson have worked for Sundhage. U.S. players have served in the Swedish pro league, Swedes have toiled on the American circuits.
When the teams play one another, the Americans are almost always the favorites; they are 20-5-11 in the all-time series. Friday is no exception. Ellis’s squad has been ranked No. 1 in the world since winning the World Cup last summer and is 16-0-2 this year.
But since Sundhage returned home, Sweden has posted a 1-0-2 record with one goal conceded against the United States. Last year, Sweden’s conservative tactics stymied the U.S. attack and almost produced a first-round upset. A goal line clearance by U.S. left back Meghan Klingenberg in the 77th minute prevented a deficit.
“Sweden had a game plan in the World Cup to sit low and counter,” Ellis said. “I think they’ll do the same, and then it’s on us to be very skillful and move the ball extremely well.”
Despite favored status, the Americans labored in the group stage: a 2-0 victory over New Zealand, a 1-0 triumph against superior France and a 2-2 draw with unheralded Colombia. They did the same thing last year in Canada, grinding through the first round before hitting their stride in the elimination stage.
“We’re ready to show the world why we are here,” forward Christen Press said. “I think this is our moment.”
With the rivalry and commonality, a game against Sweden “heightens all of the emotions,” added Press, who played for Swedish clubs for two years before joining the Chicago Red Stars in the National Women’s Soccer League in 2014.
Expectations are also heightened for a U.S. team seeking to win a fourth consecutive gold medal and become the first program to win World Cup and Olympic titles in consecutive years.
“A lot of people would say these are the pressure moments, but this is the fun time,” goalkeeper Hope Solo said. “This is when everything’s on the line and we tend to play our best football.”
Solo was not at her best against Colombia three days ago, allowing one free kick to slip between her legs in the first half and another to sail over her leap in the 90th minute.
Nine years ago, at the World Cup in China, Solo let a high North Korean shot go through her hands during a 2-2 draw, a howler belying her world-class abilities. Three days later, she blanked Sweden, 2-0.
Ellis used each of her 16 non-goalkeepers in starting roles during the group stage but will narrow her choices in the elimination stage. Julie Johnston missed the past two matches with an injury but should rejoin Becky Sauerbrunn in central defense. Kelley O’Hara and Meghan Klingenberg are the first-choice outside backs. Carli Lloyd will start in central midfield, with expected support from Morgan Brian and Allie Long.
On the frontline, Mallory Pugh or Crystal Dunn — the goal scorers against Colombia — is likely to join Alex Morgan and Tobin Heath.
Sixth-ranked Sweden has stumbled through the tournament with a 1-0 victory over South Africa, 5-1 defeat to Brazil and 0-0 draw with China.
The Swedes have never won a major championship but have come close, advancing to the 2003 World Cup final and reaching the Cup semifinals two other times. They haven’t made the Olympic semifinals since 2004.
However, “anything can happen in the quarterfinals,” Sundhage said. “All the pressure is on the Americans.”
The Americans are embracing expectations.
“Pressure raises the level and brings out the best in them,” Ellis said of her players, 14 of whom served on the World Cup squad last year. “It’s when you have to deliver.”
Quarterfinal schedule
Friday
United States vs. Sweden in Brasilia, noon (NBCSN)Germany vs. China in Salvador, 3 p.m. (MSNBC)
Canada vs. France in Sao Paulo, 6 p.m. (CNBC)
Brazil vs. Australia in Belo Horizonte, 9 p.m. (NBCSN)
The Swedes have never won a major championship but have come close, advancing to the 2003 World Cup final and reaching the Cup semifinals two other times. They haven’t made the Olympic semifinals since 2004.
However, “anything can happen in the quarterfinals,” Sundhage said. “All the pressure is on the Americans.”
The Americans are embracing expectations.
“Pressure raises the level and brings out the best in them,” Ellis said of her players, 14 of whom served on the World Cup squad last year. “It’s when you have to deliver.”
Quarterfinal schedule
Friday
United States vs. Sweden in Brasilia, noon (NBCSN)Germany vs. China in Salvador, 3 p.m. (MSNBC)
Canada vs. France in Sao Paulo, 6 p.m. (CNBC)
Brazil vs. Australia in Belo Horizonte, 9 p.m. (NBCSN)
Semifinal schedule
Tuesday
U.S.-Sweden vs. Brazil-Australia in Rio de Janeiro, noon (NBCSN)Germany-China vs. Canada-France in Belo Horizonte, 3 p.m. (NBCSN)
*All knockout matches are available on NBCOlympics.com and the NBC Olympic Soccer Channel.
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