Fansided

Twitter reacts to the USWNT’s exhausting 2-1 win over France

By Dylan Schmittler

USA's Megan Rapinoe celebrates scoring her side's second goal of the game France v USA - FIFA Women's World Cup 2019 - Quarter Final - Parc des Princes 28-06-2019 . (Photo by Richard Sellers/EMPICS/PA Images via Getty Images)
USA's Megan Rapinoe celebrates scoring her side's second goal of the game France v USA - FIFA Women's World Cup 2019 - Quarter Final - Parc des Princes 28-06-2019 . (Photo by Richard Sellers/EMPICS/PA Images via Getty Images) /
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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.

https://twitter.com/TimHowardGK/status/1144711767869681665

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.

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.

Next. Takeaways from U.S. win over France. dark

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.