On To The Sweet 16 - But First Sweden

Nobody expected 13 goals and although the U.S. scored "only" three against Chile, they dominated the match and would have had at least three more but for the brilliant goalkeeping of Christiane Endler, who robbed Christen Press of sure goals twice and did the same on other shots.  Endler, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, was named player of the match.

Good to see my former player, Carli Lloyd get back into the starting line-up and reward Coach Jill Ellis for the decision by scoring in the 11th and 35th minutes.  The first goal was a left footer one-timed into the corner and the second a header.  Sandwiched between these two was a goal by Julie Ertz off a corner.

Lloyd missed a chance for a hat trick when she hooked a PK wide left in the 81st minute.  I thought the penalty was questionable and was awarded after VAR review.  There was a foul, but it appeared to be just outside the 18.  Not so said the ref as she pointed to the penalty mark.

Sweden beat Thailand, 5-1 so the only question that remains is which team will finished first and which second.  Given the huge goal differential favoring the United States, Sweden would have to win Thursday's showdown,. but regardless of the result both teams will advance.

Andrew Das has game coverage in the New Yorks Times.