USA and Sweden have settled for a point apiece in their clash at the Women's World Cup as neither team could find a breakthrough at John Scouras Field.

The States started the game on the front foot as Sydney Leroux won a free kick down the left. Megan Rapinoe lifted the ball into a dangerous area, but Leroux and Julie Johnston were unable to turn it into the net.

Sweden hit back with a chance from Lotta Schelin as she managed to turn her marker and fire a low ball across the face of goal, but Ali Kreiger was on hand to read the danger and divert the ball behind for a corner.

Pia Sundhage's side had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down when Leroux appeared to have handled the ball in the area when Caroline Seger volleyed at goal, but the referee waved play on.

Kreiger had the chance to fire the USA ahead just before the break when she collected a through-ball down the right, but her effort was well saved by Hedvig Lindahl.

In the second half, the USA threatened again as Rapinoe played Carli Lloyd through on goal, but the forward's effort was well saved by Lindahl.

Rapinoe was causing problems for Sweden and she raided down the left once more and lifted the ball into the box for the run of Abby Wambach, but her header at goal was tipped over the bar by Lindahl.

Sweden came within inches of taking the lead as Seger met a corner from the left and powered a header at goal, but Meghan Klingenberg jumped to head the ball off the line.

Both sides continued to threaten, but neither could break the deadlock and were forced to settle for a point.

Written by
Simon Sinclair