Author: Nancy Armour, USA TODAY

Marta’s sixth and final World Cup came to a disappointing end when Brazil failed to make it out of the group stage for the first time since 1995.

Even with significant injuries and an inexperienced World Cup roster, this is a USWNT failure of epic proportions, columnist Nancy Armour writes.

Sweden thrashed USWNT 3-0 in opener of Tokyo Olympics, worst loss for US women at major international tournament since 2007 World Cup

USWNT faces archnemesis Sweden in round of 16, and a loss would mean earliest exit ever at World Cup or Olympics for four-time World Cup champions.

Former US captain Carli Lloyd has ripped her old teammates for several days, questioning their preparation and passion

There are 3 bold changes the USWNT can make to reverse its fortunes and beat Sweden. No. 1 is put Julie Ertz and Crystal Dunn back in the midfield.

Despite World Cup field expanding by eight teams, to 32, there’s few blowouts and all but seven of the first 35 games were decided by 2 goals or less

Sub-par performances in first two World Cup games have USWNT in potentially precarious position heading into group-stage finale against Portugal

The pre-World Cup criticism of coach Vlatko Andonovski’s lineups was renewed after Thursday’s disappointing draw vs. the Netherlands.

“It’s just a little unfortunate that now first place in the group is up for grabs,” Alex Morgan said after the USWNT’s draw vs. the Netherlands.