Sweden are through to the last eight of the World Cup after beating the USA on penalties in a real heavyweight battle in Melbourne. 

The most incredible penalty shootout we've ever witnessed took place as Sweden advanced in sudden death. Lina Hurtig stepped up on penalty number 7 and saw her effort saved but the ball spun back towards the net, Neaher after a goal line technology check could not prevent the ball from going in. The USA exit the tournament for the first time since 2011.

Sweden have now set up a Quarter Final tie with Japan on Friday morning as their dream of winning the World Cup lives on.

Swedish keeper Musovic was the star of the show, keeping her side in the tie on a number of occasions with incredible saves, really frustrating the US side, but Sweden themselves really struggled to create a single chance of note in 120 minutes of play.

The opening phases of the game played out exactly like they usually do when two powerhouses of football meet each other. There were no real chances with both sides holding the ball well however meeting an extremely well drilled defence on the other side. 

It was just before the twenty minute mark when we got the first real shot in anger in this game. Trinity Rodman coming in from the US right was emerging as the best player on the pitch and had an effort from 20 yards sting the palms of Musovic in the Swedish net. 

Rodman continued to shine as the US became the more threatening side in this game, with the Washington Spirit forward shooting from a tight angle that forced Musovic into another strong save. 

American captain Lindsey Horan almost gave her side a deserved lead on the 34th minute. Horan rose highest in the box after a wonderful set piece delivery but her headed effort rattled off the bar and over to the relief of the Swedes. 

The European side would be pleased to be level at the break, knowing they would have to come out better in the second half to secure their spot in the final eight. They did open the second half with some sustained pressure but the heroics of keeper Musovic kept them alive once more.

Lindsey Horan came onto the ball which fell kindly for her and bent a shot seemingly destined for the side netting but an incredible reflex save from Musovic down to her left kept this game scoreless, much to the shock of the USA captain who was thinking about her celebration when she hit it. 

As the game ticked into the final ten minutes, Sweden made their first changes but both sides seemingly settled for the fact that aside from a moment of magic that this game was heading for extra time. 

Alex Morgan was showing frustration as the game aged, akin to her tournament so far really but Andonovski showed faith in his star player and she thought she had got the breakthrough right on the 90 minute mark. Morgan rose highest in the box to head towards goal but once again, Zecira Musovic produced a wonderful save to keep her side alive and force an additional 30 minutes in this tie. 

The first half of ET continued with the trend of the US being the better side in the tie. Alex Morgan and sub Lynn Williams both forced Musovic into decent saves, once again the Swedish netminder keeping her side alive. Andonoski turned to his bench, withdrawing the frustrated Morgan for the veteran Megan Rapinoe. 

The second half of extra time was just a procession as the game headed towards penalties to see who would move on in the 2023 World Cup.

With the US shooting first, the opening five penalties were nothing short of perfection, but from then on the drama really started.

Bjorn stepped up for Sweden and skied her effort over the bar giving the US the advantage, but moments later US veteran Megan Rapinoe smashed her own effort high and wide, in what we now know is her final touch in a World Cup.

Blomqvist had a chance for the Swedes to level the game but her penalty was well saved by Naeher, as Sophie Smith had a chance to win it for the US.

Smith put her spot kick wide and the drama continued. Bennison stepped up and calmly slotted for the European side forcing sudden death.

Naeher and Eriksson traded the sixth penalties before Kelly O'Hara, who was introduced moments before the end of extra time stuttered up to the seventh spot kick but struck the right hand post.

Up came Lina Hurtig, with the chance to win it for her country. Her penalty went to the keepers left with Naeher was equal to, but the power on the shot saw the ball spin back towards goal and Naehers second effort clawed the ball clear and we were off to the eight round.

Or so we thought, referee Stéphanie Frappart consulted with VAR and the use of goal line technology confirmed that by the absolute tightest of margins, the ball had crossed the line after the save and as Frappart pointed to the centre circle and blew the final whistle, it was joy for the Swedes and heartbreak for the USA.

For the first time since losing the final on penalties to Japan in 2011, the USA exit the tournament, and we will see a new winner crowned for the 2023 Women's World Cup.

What a night in Melbourne.