Sweden ends USA's 44-match unbeaten run in Tokyo
United States forward Megan Rapinoe said they "got bopped" and did "dumb stuff" as they lost their opening match to Sweden at the Olympic Games.
The world champions were stunned 3-0 in Tokyo with striker Stina Blackstenius scoring twice, before substitute Lina Hurtig added a third for Sweden.
It ended a run of 44 games unbeaten for the USA coming into the Olympics.
"I thought we were a little bit nervous, a bit tight, doing dumb stuff," Rapinoe said.
Sweden were without Chelsea captain Magdalena Eriksson, while the USA started with key players Rose Lavelle, Sam Mewis, Alex Morgan, Tobin Heath and Lindsey Horan.
The USA were knocked out by Sweden, who went on to win silver, on penalties in the quarter-finals five years ago.
US coach Vlatko Andonovski added: "It's obvious we put ourselves in a big hole, but we're the only ones who can get ourselves out of it.
"It's not going to be easy. We've got to get positive results in the next two games, but the fact there is still a chance [means] I know this team is not going to give up."
Marta, Miedema and Sinclair make their markElsewhere, 104th-ranked Zambia lost 10-3 on their Olympic debut in women's football against European champions the Netherlands.
Arsenal striker Vivianne Miedema scored four goals, while ex-Gunners team-mate Danielle van de Donk picked up three assists.
Zambia captain Barbra Banda also scored a hat-trick despite being on the losing side.
Meanwhile, striker Marta scored twice as Brazil thrashed China 5-0.
She became the first player to score in five consecutive Olympics, taking her total tally to 12, while 43-year-old defender Formiga extended her record of competing in all seven women's Olympic tournaments since women's football was introduced in 1996.
Team GB got off to a winning start thanks to a double from Ellen White as they comfortably beat Chile 2-0 in their Group E opener.
In the other Group E match, hosts Japan drew 1-1 with Canada after Arsenal midfielder Mana Iwabuchi cancelled out Christine Sinclair's opener. Canada goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe also saved a penalty.
Sinclair extended the all-time international goals record to 187 and became only the fourth player in history to reach 300 games for her country.
In the final match of the day, Australia recorded a 2-1 win over New Zealand as Chelsea striker Sam Kerr scored one goal and provided an assist for the other.
Source: BBC
Trending News

Archbishop Adonteng Boateng calls for investment in AI education to secure Ghana’s future
08:08
Lands Minister revokes 278 small-scale mining licenses over regulatory breaches
06:56
Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum hails Akufo-Addo’s leadership, urges NPP to stay united for 2028 victory
09:22
Mahama Ayariga leads Parliament to pay tribute to helicopter crash victims
10:48
GTEC publishes expanded list of unaccredited tertiary institutions operating in Ghana
10:08
Ursula Owusu-Ekuful declares bid for NPP General Secretary
09:23
'May the almighty give her rest' PAG mourns former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings
08:01
President Mahama swears in new High Court judges, reaffirms gov't's commitment to judicial independence, rule of law
01:08
Fisheries Minister attends 6TH AU session on agriculture, rural development in Addis Ababa
09:19
Fake prophetess jailed five years for defrauding victims of over GHS 27,000
10:41



