Twitter’s reaction to the USWNT’s gritty 2-1 win over Spain

By beating Spain 2-1, the USWNT showed the heart, will, and grit needed to set up a quarter-finals showdown with France in Paris.

After a frustrating game with fouls and missed opportunities, U.S. captain Megan Rapinoe’s two penalties ultimately proved all that the USWNT needed to survive Spain 2-1 in the round of 16 Women’s World Cup encounter.

Twitter was pleased and relieved as America’s finest showed their relief with the U.S. win and the showdown with France on Friday.

https://twitter.com/MikeSilver/status/1143216896189161472

https://twitter.com/USWNT/status/1143216886991261696

https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1143225734195888128

https://twitter.com/BillieJeanKing/status/1143217156953387008

https://twitter.com/karagoucher/status/1143216854233575425

https://twitter.com/heathermitts/status/1143217434285002753

https://twitter.com/SarahSpain/status/1143217556955811841

Two big questions were the status of U.S. key players returning from injury. Alex Morgan and Julie Ertz both made the starting 11 for the U.S. after injury concerns from Thursday’s win over Sweden. Ertz’s inclusion meant Lindsey Horan started the game on the bench.

In the sixth minute, Spain defender Mapi León tripped up Tobin Heath inside the area to set up the first penalty. Rapinoe buried the ensuing penalty to give the Americans a 1-0 lead. Spain fought back and broke the U.S. World Cup shutout streak ended in the ninth minute as Jennifer Hermoso took advantage of a U.S. defensive lapse to score past Alyssa Naeher’s net.

After the early goals, the game turned into a war of attrition. Nahikari García replaced Vicky Losada due to an injury. Morgan was down several times throughout the first half. Rapinoe’s afternoon picked up more steam as she picked up a yellow card in the first half.

In the second half, neither team could nip a goal until Virginia Torrecilla tripped Rose Lavelle in the box, earning the U.S. its second penalty. VAR checked the foul, but Hungary’s Katalin Kulcsár stayed with her original penalty decision. Before the VAR check, Morgan looked ready to take the penalty, but Rapinoe buried her second PK in the 76th minute, giving the U.S. a 2-1 lead.

Spain tried for an equalizer, but the U.S. held up well under increasing pressure. Meanwhile, Christien Press ultimately replaced Rapinoe late in stoppage time, ending her memorable game.

https://twitter.com/jonmorosi/status/1143216814471729154

https://twitter.com/USWNT/status/1143225825065652224

In all, Spain picked up 17 fouls, but Irene Paredes was the only booking.

With the win, the U.S. and France will meet up Friday in Paris for what will undoubtedly be this year’s most anticipated World Cup game.