Tobin Heath scores wonderful goal from impossible angle (Video)

Tobin Heath looked like the most dangerous player on the pitch in the USWNT’s final group stage game against Sweden, and she scored one of the best goals of the tournament in the second half to give the United States a 2-0 lead.

While both the United States and Sweden were safely into the knockout stages after taking care of business against Chile and Thailand, there was plenty on the line when the two powerhouse teams took the field for their final Group F game.

Throughout the first half, Tobin Heath looked like the most dangerous player on the field, working herself open with regularity and taking defenders on. Quality crosses, nutmegs, and fleet footwork are all elements of Heath’s world-class game, and she bamboozled Sweden’s defenders throughout the first 45.

The United States held a 1-0 lead after an early goal from the opportunistic Lindsey Horan, but they needed to grab a second to put themselves at ease. Heath found that moment of magic in the 50th to give the USWNT that second goal, scoring from the tightest of angles imaginable.

Heath has become an excellent finisher, and the USWNT right winger should have more goals in this tournament. FIFA, in their infinite wisdom, have laughably decided to “credit” this wonderful strike from Heath as an own goal to Jonna Andersson. Everyone else will likely credit this goal to Heath, noting the individual brilliance and hard work it took for Heath to score this satisfying second for her team.

The goal was also nearly disallowed, but it stood after a lengthy VAR review. It can be argued that substitute Carli Lloyd was offside and interfered with the flimsy clearance from Sweden’s defense, but the rulebook states that the defender wasn’t directly interfered with. Thus, it’s assumed that the defender could have made a better clearance, regardless of Lloyd’s ominous presence behind said defender.

Regardless of the controversy, this was an excellent goal from an excellent player, and it’s an example of all the ways Heath can help a team win.