United States World Cup exit marks the end of an era

The United States had won the last two Women's World Cups and four of the eight editions held before this year. They had never gone out before the semi-final stage. This time they have been sent packing in the last 16 having won just one game in Australia and New Zealand, that an unconvincing 3-0 defeat of Vietnam.

Vlatko Andonovski's side followed that by drawing 1-1 with the Netherlands, the same team the USA defeated in the 2019 final, and grimly holding on for a draw against Portugal to squeeze into the knockout phase.

It would be unfair to be too harsh on the USA given the way they played against Sweden, dominating and only failing to win in normal time because of some heroics by opposing goalkeeper Zecira Musovic.

But the reality is that this has been a deeply disappointing tournament for the planet's top-ranked side.