'Like a bad dream': US faces unfamiliar emotions following dramatic Women's World Cup exit

Disappointment is an unfamiliar emotion for the US when it comes to women's soccer. This is a team that had not lost a Women's World Cup match for 12 years, had never finished worse than third in the tournament, and was aiming for a historic World Cup three-peat, a near impossible feat never achieved in men's or women's soccer.

So when the US crashed out of this World Cup in the round-of-16, losing a dramatic penalty shootout against Sweden in Melbourne on Sunday, there was a stunned sense of disbelief, of it all simply being a "bad dream," as its legendary forward Alex Morgan said.

Public figures sent consolation messages on social media, while the team itself - also mourning the impending retirement of iconic forward Megan Rapinoe and likely retirement of fellow stalwart Julie Ertz - huddled together on the pitch, before facing questions not previously asked of the US Women's National Team (USWNT).

"You made this sport matter," First Lady Jill Biden wrote on Twitter. "Today, you inspired us with your grit and determination. We are proud of you. Always remember that you encourage women and girls everywhere to show up and fight for their dreams."

Meanwhile, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton tweeted: "I'm forever proud of our #USWNT. This team will come back better and stronger, because that's what American women do."

It was almost a different story. The US dominated much of the match, with only desperate, brilliant saves from Sweden goalkeeper Zećira Mušović denying the Americans goals on two separate occasions during the second half of regular time. But the game ticked into extra-time and, when the additional 30 minutes failed to produce a winner, into penalties.

"We showed everything we could to win the game and, unfortunately, soccer can be cruel sometimes," US coach Vlatko Andonovski said afterwards.