The United States Women’s National Team had the worst possible start to their Olympics, as Sweden, the 5th ranked team in the world, destroyed the 2-time defending world champions 3-0 at Tokyo Stadium in the Group G opener. A brace by Stina Blackstenius and a goal by Lina Hurtig did the damage for Sweden, who dominated the Americans throughout the match and were the clear better team on the day.
Starting XI: 1-Alyssa Naeher; 5-Kelley O’Hara, 17-Abby Dahlkemper, 4-Becky Sauerbrunn (Captain), 2-Crystal Dunn (12-Tierna Davidson 80’); 9-Lindsey Horan, 3-Samantha Mewis (8-Julie Ertz 46’), 16-Rose Lavelle (6-Kristie Mewis 80’); 7-Tobin Heath (15-Megan Rapinoe 64’), 13-Alex Morgan (10-Carli Lloyd 46’), 11-Christen Press
Unused Subs: 14-Emily Sonnett, 18-Adrianna Franch
Sweden established itself as the aggressor from the opening kick, and they continued throughout the first half.