Meghan Klingenberg's Goal Line Save Ensured the USA Drew Sweden

Meghan Klingenberg, who at 5-foot-2 is the shortest player on the U.S. roster, came up with the game’s biggest save clearing a Sweden shot off the line and into the crossbar late in the second half. The clearance ensured a 0-0 draw Friday night in Winnipeg at the Women’s World Cup. After two games the U.S. leads Group D with four points. Australia follows with three, Sweden with two and Nigeria with one. The top two teams automatically advance to the Round of 16. Four of the best six third-place finishers also advance.

Abby Wambach started the game on the bench, but came on in the 67th minute. Alex Morgan, still working her way back to fitness, played the final 12 minutes. U.S. defender Julie Johnston earned plaudits throughout the game and was the United States’ best player. The best offensive threats from the Americans came on set pieces taken by Megan Rapinoe.

Klingenberg made her important clearance in the 81st minute, deflecting away a shot from Caroline Seger which was set up by a Sweden corner kick. FIFAs goal-line technology confirmed it didn’t cross the line despite hitting the underside of the bar.