The United States topped World Cup Group F after beating Sweden 2-0 with the help of more VAR controversy.
Lindsey Horan struck three minutes into the contest at the Stade Oceane in Le Havre and Jonna Andersson's own goal five minutes after the break sealed a deserved win over the Swedes - the only side ever to beat them in the group stage - who will join them in the last 16.
The USA got off to the perfect start when midfielder Horan fired them into the lead from point-blank range after Samantha Mewis' drilled third-minute corner had been helped on at the near post.
Slack Swedish marking from a corner and the USA's Lindsey Horan makes them pay #WWC2019 #FIFAWWC #rtesoccer https://t.co/l5tHwUD3BL
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 20, 2019
Mewis thumped a long-range effort into the midriff of Swedish keeper Hedvig Lindahl 12 minutes later as Jill Ellis' side dominated possession, although Kosovare Asllani tested American keeper Alyssa Naeher with a firmly-struck shot as the first half approached its mid-point.
The Swedes rallied as the half wore on, but it was the United States who continued to enjoy the better of the chances with Rose Lavelle's deflected 42nd-minute attempt prompting Lindahl to intervene once again.
They increased their lead within five minutes of the restart when Tobin Heath's cross-cum-shot deflected off defender Andersson and beat Lindahl at her near post, with a VAR review failing to spare Sweden despite half-time substitute Carli Lloyd appearing to be in an offside position during the build-up.
VAR did have a good look but a Jonna Andersson own goal has the USA 2-0 up #WWC2019 #FIFAWWC #rtesoccer https://t.co/k00dYF3ObZ
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 20, 2019
Naeher kept out Stina Blackstenius' snap-shot and looked on anxiously as substitute Fridolina Rolfo's cross and Asllani's free-kick both flew across goal with Sweden fighting for a way back into the game.
However, the Americans saw out the game in some comfort to maintain their 100 per cent start to the tournament, and might have won even more comfortably had Lloyd been able to beat Lindahl one-on-one in the final minute of normal time.
