Brazil Survives the United States as the Knockout Round Turns Dramatic

Brazil and the United States delivered exactly the kind of knockout match their draw promised, trading chances, momentum and eventually penalties before Brazil survived 5-4 in the shootout after a 1-1 draw. Sofia Couto broke through for Brazil in the second half, but the Americans answered four minutes later through Ainsley McCammon and never looked overmatched against one of the tournament's most complete teams. Alex Buck even rattled the post late in regulation before neither side could separate itself in extra time. The difference came down to the smallest possible margin: Brazil converted all five penalties, while Thais Lima saved the United States' opening attempt and the Americans spent the rest of the shootout chasing perfection.

South Korea produced the day's biggest surprise by knocking out Argentina 1-0. Beom Yeju scored the only goal in the first half, and Korea protected it all the way through against an Argentina side that had looked increasingly dangerous in the group stage. Argentina still created chances and nearly found an equalizer when Mercedes Diz sent a looping header off the top of the bar, but Korea held firm and reached the quarterfinals with one of the tournament's tidiest upset wins.