What should be USWNT’s game plan for Sweden? (4:29)Sebastian Salazar and Ali Krieger look ahead to the USWNT’s next matchup vs. Sweden and react to Carli Lloyd’s criticism of the team. (4:29)
AUCKLAND, New Zealand — The just-concluded group stage at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup was arguably the most captivating in the tournament’s history, and surprises and chaos were the order of the day.
Presumed heavyweights Germany, Brazil and Canada failed to make it out of their respective groups. The two-time defending Women’s World Cup champions U.S. barely scraped by, saved by the post in its group stage finale against Portugal. Then there was the dramatic goal scored by South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana against Italy that propelled Banyana Banyana to a 3-2 victory and into the knockout rounds at the Italians’ expense. Jamaica’s master class in defending also saw it emerge from the group stage for the first time in its history.