Sweden Knocks Out US in Women's Soccer World Cup

(NewsCore) - The US women's soccer team played themselves into trouble Wednesday in the FIFA Women's World Cup, losing a crucial match against Sweden 2-1, to set up a quarter-final showdown with powerful Brazil.

Needing only a tie to win its group and the chance for a quarter-final matchup with a far less frightening Australian team, the Americans played a sloppy and disorganized first half and gave a disciplined Swedish side a lead it would not relinquish.

Sweden notched its two first-half goals on a penalty kick and a deflected free kick, giving the Swedes a 2-0 lead at halftime.

American striker Abby Wambach deflected in a corner kick with her shoulder in the 66th minute to halve the lead, but the US comeback ended there.

"I'm happy with the way we created chances. I'm disappointed that we didn't win," said US coach Pia Sundhage, who was forced to rest the injured Heather O'Reilly, the US team's top midfielder.

Sweden's win highlighted a surprising final day of the World Cup's group stage that saw Australia beat Norway, the 1995 champions, sending the Grasshoppers home far earlier than most expected.

Germany, France, England, Japan, and Brazil join the US, Sweden and Australia in the knockout round.

Wednesday's loss sends the US to Dresden Sunday for the match against Brazil, which features the five-time world player of the year, Marta. Sweden will face Australia, Germany will play Japan, while France faces England.