In its earliest elimination from the Women's World Cup ever, the U.S. women's national team (USWNT) lost to Sweden 5-4 after a shootout in sudden death on Aug. 6 in Melbourne, Australia.
The Americans' worst finish had been third place, which has happened three times, per CBS News.
According to CNN, USWNT forward Sophia Smith had the chance to win it for the two-time reigning champion, but was made to rue her missed spot-kick.
To make the defeat more painful for the Americans, Sweden's winning penalty required the video assistant referee to check whether it had gone over the line.
Lina Hurtig's shot looked to have been saved by goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. However, video replays showed that it had just crossed the line by the narrowest of margins.
The stadium played ABBA's "Dancing Queen" in the stadium as the Swedes celebrated.
Sweden will now face Japan on Aug. 11 in the quarterfinals.
Andrew Davis