Sweden beats Brazil on penalty kicks, moves on to women's soccer final

The Lady Giant Killers of Sweden are moving on to the gold-medal game in women’s soccer after knocking Brazil out in the semifinal round.

Sweden won 4-3 on penalties kicks after the sides played to a 0-0 draw.

As they shocked the United States on penalty kicks, also 4-3, Sweden again used a heavily defensive approach to the game against Brazil. Brazil had won easily against Sweden in pool play, 5-1.

Sweden, which has never finished better than fourth at the Olympics, now guarantees itself either a gold or silver medal and will face either Canada or Germany, playing in the other semifinal, on Friday.

Making matters worse for Brazilians: the big screens in Olympic Park died midway through the penalty kick shootout, so the masses gathered didn’t get to see the frustrating finish.

The United States is FIFA’s No. 1-ranked team, and Brazil is ranked eighth; Sweden is ranked No. 8.