The one you've been waiting for is here, Sweden and the USWNT suit up to play each other for the seventh time in World Cup history. Here are the keys to success for both teams.
This World Cup has been one of the most exciting and surprising tournaments in history, but even with all of the upsets and shockers, the inevitable still comes to pass.
For the seventh time in World Cup history, the United States and Sweden find themselves facing off on their way to the trophy. This is officially the most-played game in Women's World Cup history. Let's hit the essentials before they clash on Saturday morning in the round of sixteen.
USWNT v Sweden by the numbers
Sweden have been at eight of nine World Cups, while the United States have been at all nine iterations. In their previous six World Cup matches, the USWNT lead the matches with four wins, in addition to a single loss in 2011, and a scoreless draw in 2015.
This game will mark the 43rd time that these two sides meet, making Sweden the fourth most-played opponent in USWNT history. Sweden is currently ranked third by FIFA while the USA is still at first, making this the highest-ranking matchup of the knockout rounds.
Sweden's best finish at a World Cup came in 2003, where they were the runner-up to, of course, the USWNT. The Swedes are one of just three teams to have won all three of their group-stage matches, scoring a total of nine goals and allowing just one. The United States had a harder time in the group stages, achieving two ties and one victory while scoring only four goals. But they also only allowed one goal and only had one shot on goal in all three games.
USWNT v Sweden by the players
Both sides are stacked with talent, and it's hard to pin down who to focus on. But here are a few players you might want to pay special attention to if the coffee hasn't kicked in fully yet.
For the Swedish: Stina Blackstenius, Magdalena Eriksson, and Fridolina Rolfo will be essential to their success.
Blackstenius, an Arsenal player, is one of their key strikers and she's already scored once in this tournament against Italy. She was vital to their 2019 World Cup run, where she helped them move on to earn third place with goals over Canada and Germany. Helping lock down the backline, Eriksson has made the most clearances for her squad in this tournament with 16 and has the second most interceptions with 22.
Rolfo has scored twice for Sweden already, and it's likely we'll see her score more. A dangerous player in tight spaces, she's sure to cause all kinds of problems for the USWNT's young backline.
For the United States, this one will be a tricky matchup of veterans who have experience taking on the Swedish and sparks of energy from their eager young superstars. For the USWNT: Sophia Smith, Naomi Girma, and Julie Ertz will be key.
The talent of Sophia Smith can't be denied, as she got a brace and an assist in her World Cup debut against Vietnam. The United States will want to free her on the wings to generate some points for their side.
Hopefully shutting down the Swedish attack will be Girma and Ertz, a centerback pairing of talent and experience. Together they've had thirty clearances and forty-two interceptions, and they'll have to keep up those numbers in order to stop the dangerous Swedish press.
It's also worth noting this major shift for the United States: Rose Lavelle will not be available for this match due to yellow card accumulation. Without Lavelle in the midfield, the pressure will be on the other starters, likely Lindsey Horan and Andi Sullivan, to keep things moving and create chances without the help of the USWNT's very own magician.
It's unclear who will sub in for Lavelle, it's possible we'll see Savannah DeMelo or Ashley Sanchez slide in. All options are of course world-class, but the chemistry with Horan and Sullivan will be the foundation to success here.
USWNT v Sweden by the tactics
Sweden are very dangerous on set pieces and in the air, something that the United States will need to keep an eye on. They're also very persistent, with lots of their goals coming from committing numbers in the box and following up on the second ball.
Organization in the box will be key for the United States to prevent those chances. Sweden have some of the best centerbacks in the world, and running up the middle won't work against them.
The United States are going to need to figure out how to stretch the field and use their width to get chances up the wings, something they've been struggling with so far. Both teams will be wanting to dominate possession, but with the quality of both sides, it's likely they'll end up splitting it. Therefore, they're going to have to make the most of each and every opportunity in front of goal.
This will be a physical match, and substitutions will be paramount to keep the energy up on both sides as they attempt to outpace each other. The Swedish will be looking to exploit the USWNT's lack of organization, catch them off guard in the midfield, and cut off their passing from the backline to the forwards, something that the Netherlands executed very well.
A historic game, one we've all been waiting for, don't forget to set your alarms for the biggest game of the knockout rounds. Sweden vs the USWNT kicks off at 5 am EST on Sunday, August 6th on FOX.
