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USWNT vs. Spain 5 standouts: Crystal Dunn is an excellent left back

By Kevin Parvizi

REIMS, FRANCE - JUNE 24: Crystal Dunn of USA Women during the World Cup Women match between Spain v USA at the Stade Auguste-Delaune on June 24, 2019 in Reims France (Photo by Geert van Erven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
REIMS, FRANCE - JUNE 24: Crystal Dunn of USA Women during the World Cup Women match between Spain v USA at the Stade Auguste-Delaune on June 24, 2019 in Reims France (Photo by Geert van Erven/Soccrates/Getty Images) /
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USWNT
United States’ forward Megan Rapinoe (L) and United States’ midfielder Sam Mewis celebrate at the end of the France 2019 Women’s World Cup round of sixteen football match between Spain and USA, on June 24, 2019, at the Auguste-Delaune stadium in Reims, northern France. (Photo by Lionel BONAVENTURE / AFP) (Photo credit should read LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP/Getty Images) /

Spain gave the USWNT all they could handle in their Round of 16 matchup, but the United States ultimately prevailed 2-1 thanks to two well-struck Megan Rapinoe penalties.

Coming into their Round of 16 matchup against the USWNT, Spain knew they could compete with their favored opposition both tactically and technically. Spain have been one of the tournament’s better teams, playing an aesthetically pleasing possession-based style that is buoyed by one of the world’s best back fours.

Their cohesiveness on defense and technical quality in attack were on display against the United States, but they also played a more physical game. Taking the fight directly to one of the World Cup favorites, Spain frustrated the USWNT with strong tackles and, yes, fouls. Only penalties were their undoing, as a harsh call in the final 15 minutes ultimately costed them.

Meanwhile, the USWNT showed great resiliency by battling past a tough opponent, much like their quarterfinal opponents France did on Sunday in their 2-1 win over Brazil. Here are five standouts beyond Megan Rapinoe from this enthralling Round of 16 matchup between two of the world’s strongest teams.

United States LB Crystal Dunn

After shutting down Sofia Jakobsson as the unsung hero in the USWNT’s 2-0 win over Sweden in their final group stage game, Crystal Dunn was even better against Spain in this one. She kept one of the tournament’s standouts, rising star Lucia Garcia, quiet on the right side of Spain’s formation. Dunn worked incredibly hard in this game defensively, absolutely throwing herself into challenges and staying disciplined against Spain’s dangerous counter-attacks.

Much is made of what Dunn’s “real” position is, but she’s played so well defensively this year that she should be considered a left back. She’s been arguably the best player at the position this tournament, with all due respect to France’s wizard Amel Majri, and she deserves all the praise in the world for a stellar display against Spain. Dunn will be tested on another level by France, but she’s played so well that the USWNT can be confident in her.