After an exhausting game, Megan Rapinoe’s brace was enough for the USWNT to beat hosts France 2-1 in the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals in Paris.
In the most anticipated game of this year’s Women’s World Cup, The USWNT overcame an enthusiastic Paris crowd and an aggressive France squad to book a place in the semifinals.
The World reacted with excitement and relief after the U.S. beat France.
2-1 and it’s over!!!
— Hope Solo (@hopesolo) June 28, 2019
🇺🇸 🏴 on Tuesday
See you there 😉 https://t.co/rVeBlrcK3E
https://twitter.com/TimHowardGK/status/1144711767869681665
Doing us all proud 💪👏🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/klMKIUMBOP
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) June 28, 2019
Down goes the host nation! #USA defeats #FRA, 2-1, and they're off to the semifinal! #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/FLwgPLzNRs
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 28, 2019
Megan Rapinoe @mPinoe representing America very well on and off the field!! Thank you 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
— Donté Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) June 28, 2019
Megan Rapinoe stays clutch for the USWNT 👏 #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/x36VeXeA90
— ESPN (@espn) June 28, 2019
While some coached often change personal between games, U.S. head coach Jill Ellis suck with the starting 11 players who started against Spain on Monday, which frustrated many fans. Lindsey Horan was left on the bench as Julie Ertz, Rose Lavelle, and Sam Mewis anchored the U.S. midfield.
#USA XI vs. #FRA: Naeher; O'Hara, Dahlkemper, Sauerbrunn, Dunn; Ertz, Mewis, Lavelle; Heath, Morgan, Rapinoe
— SI Soccer (@si_soccer) June 28, 2019
Sam Mewis starts again over Lindsey Horan in an unchanged XI for Jill Ellis from the last-16 win over #ESP https://t.co/hXtx783tce pic.twitter.com/RL8kJ2kKG4
Hearing Lindsey Horan, one of the world’s best midfielders, is not in the starting lineup for #USA vs #FRA. She’s healthy. Coach’s decision by Jill Ellis. Surprising.
— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) June 28, 2019
Lindsey Horan benched in surprise USWNT World Cup decision https://t.co/JeK4visNlo pic.twitter.com/23p3Rk3L82
— New York Post (@nypost) June 28, 2019
It was expected that Lindsey Horan would start today.
— SB Nation (@SBNation) June 28, 2019
Apparently she's not.@lgbtqfc tried to tell them.https://t.co/YKndl5jDkv
Eventually, Horan replaced Lavelle. Alex Morgan and Tobin Heath joined Rapinoe leading the American attack.
As she did against Spain in the round of 16, Rapinoe was clutch, scoring two goals, including one directly from a set piece. France’s Wendie Renard headed home her fourth goal of the tournament, but the French were unable to equalize.
For several stretches of both halves, France pinned the U.S. deep in its zone. No matter how many corners, free kicks, or dangerous moments came, the Americans were determined to keep control of the game.
Several important American players responded with big games. The midfield trio of Ertz, Lavelle, and Mewis limited France’s offensive attacks, and evened opened up American counter attacks.
After a sloppy giveaway leading to a goal against Spain, the U.S. defense remained steady, limiting France’s attacks. Becky Sauerbrunn responded with a strong performance. Alyssa Naeher responded with four big saves.
With the win, America earned its 10th-straight World Cup win, tying Norway’s record from 1995 and ’99.
.@USWNT is on to the semifinals! The United States holds off France's late push to win 2-1.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 28, 2019
The U.S. has now won 10 straight WWC matches, tying the all-time record set by Norway from 1995-99. pic.twitter.com/WezUAaJ9QG
While the Americans have made the semifinals in all eight Women’s World Cups, France’s loss gave its side a fifth consecutive World Cup, Olympic, or Euro tournament loss without advancing.
The U.S. will not have much time to calm down with England awaiting in Tuesday’s semifinal match.
Live in the pressure 🤨
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) June 28, 2019
We’re headed to Lyon for a semifinal clash vs. England!#FIFAWWC | #OneNationOneTeam pic.twitter.com/1LsWNbNdqA