'I thought I had it' - USWNT goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher devastated to see World Cup campaign end 'by a millimeter' after VAR drama in penalty shootout against Sweden

• Naeher devestated after penalty drama
• USWNT exit World Cup in round of 16
• Sweden win 5-4 in tense shootout

WHAT HAPPENED? The USWNT and Sweden played out a goalless draw over 120 minutes in the round of 16 clash before the Swedes won the shootout 5-4. Naeher got a hand to the final spot-kick before clawing the ball away from the goal-line, but an automated decision from ball sensors showed the ball crossed the line by millimeters - with the goal eventually standing after a lengthy VAR check.

WHAT THEY SAID: After the game, Naeher said: "Someone said there was a picture of it and it was off by a millimeter. It's tough to have your World Cup ended by a millimeter. I thought I had it. It must've slipped in."

Sweden's Lina Hurtig, who scored the winning spot kick, added: "That was a crazy situation. First I thought it went in and then it took some time before the referee... I think they said to her that the ball went in and but it was long seconds we were made to wait."

THE BIGGER PICTURE: The USWNT put in their best performance of an underwhelming tournament, but ended up exiting the competition before the semi-final stage for the first time ever. Naeher stepped up and scored her own penalty, but it wasn't enough to see the reigning champions through.

IN THREE PHOTOS:

Getty Images

Getty

Getty Images

WHAT NEXT FOR NAEHER AND THE USWNT?: After enduring their worst ever World Cup, the four-time world champions have some soul-searching to do. Whether that results in the dismissal of under-fire coach Vlatko Andonovski remains to be seen.