Team USA played to a 0-0 tie with Sweden and former coach Pia Sundhage tonight in one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage at the Women's World Cup. Abby Wambach came off the bench in the second half, but her header in the 72nd minute was popped up and over the crossbar by Swedish goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl. A win would have assured the United States a spot in the knockout round as the Americans seek their third World Cup title, but first since 1999.
The United States, ranked No. 2 in the world, has one more group stage match, on Tuesday in Vancouver against Nigeria. The US leads the Group D standings with four points, following a 3-1 victory over No. 10 Australia in the opener. Sweden was surprised in its opener by No. 33 Nigeria, which erased a 2-0 deficit at the half for a 3-all tie. The monthlong tournament, with an expanded field of 24 teams, is being played across six Canadian cities. (More US women's soccer stories.)