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The USWNT and Sweden: A Frequent Tale Over 30 Years on the Tournament Stage

It has gotten to the point now where the draw is but a formality, and if the draw doesn't come through, then the knockout bracket gods evidently will take care of the rest.

If it's a major tournament (Women's World Cup or Olympics), chances are the U.S. women's national team and Sweden are playing each other. What started with the U.S.'s first match at a Women's World Cup ever has become a recurring theme in the national team's history—especially over the last decade—and will continue with Wednesday's Olympic group opener in Japan. This is the sixth major tournament on the women's soccer calendar dating back to 2011.