USA vs. Sweden: All the Twitter Buzz Leading Up to the 2nd Group Game

The United States has the opportunity to build off of its opening victory over Australia and clinch a spot in the next round on Friday night against Sweden. 

The matchup has media and fans excited as the U.S. looks to continue its hot start to the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. 

While the match should already be exciting on the pitch, some off-the-field drama has increased the intrigue for this matchup. 

Perhaps the biggest storyline as the game approaches is the reunion between the United States and former head coach Pia Sundhage, who left the U.S. to coach her native Sweden in 2012. 

The reunion was expected to be a happy one. However, Sundhage stoked the fire this week with critical comments in The New York Times toward U.S. stars Abby Wambach, Hope Solo and Carli Lloyd (h/t USA Today's Martin Rogers).

Sundhage tried to soften some of the derogatory comments directed at U.S. players. However, per ESPN's Jeff Carlisle, it seems that the United States has already turned its former coach's comments into motivation for Friday night's match.

It's certainly strange that Sundhage would make those types of comments about her former players, with whom she won two Olympic gold medals.

Sundhage's remarks could results in the edge that the U.S. needs to put it over the top against Sweden. 

Another narrative surrounding the game is the swirling controversy around Solo, who was charged in an alleged domestic violence incident, per USA Today's Christine Brennan.

Many fans and media members such as ESPN's Keith Olbermann and Sports Illustrated's Richard Deitsch have called out Solo and US Soccer for turning a blind eye to Solo's situation and allowing her to continue to play. 

Some feel Solo has not been held as accountable as other athletes connected to domestic violence such as Ray Rice and Ray McDonald.

Solo was one of the stars of the match against Australia, making crucial saves as the U.S. defense struggled early on. Solo getting a pass to play is incomprehensible and a mark on the record of US Soccer. 

That defense will have to be stiffer against Sweden, especially in limiting star striker Lotta Schelin. Schelin was quiet in Sweden's first match but is still an elite player capable of breaking out at any moment. 

BT Sport's Ian Darke recognized the need for the U.S. to improve its play to have continued success: 

The U.S. should have its fair share of attacking opportunities against the Swedes, who gave up three goals in a disappointing 3-3 tie against Nigeria. 

The Americans will use the speed of Megan Rapinoe and Sydney Leroux to attack Sweden's vulnerable back line.  

Ringo H.W. Chiu/Associated Press

With a win, the Americans would guarantee advancement from the group stage. That security could allow them to rest some key players and get reserves playing time in their final group match against Nigeria. 

For Sweden, after a tie against Nigeria, coming away from the match empty-handed would be devastating for its chances to advance from group play. They need to at least force a tie. 

The USA vs. Sweden matchup is set to be a compelling match and the recent off-field exploits only feed that excitement. Motivated by the remarks of their former coach, the Americans should get a second straight win in Group D.

Prediction: USA 2, Sweden 1