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3 things we learned in USWNT’s 2-1 win over France

By Clemente Lisi

United States' players celebrates at the end the France 2019 Women's World Cup quarter-final football match between France and United States, on June 28, 2019, at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)
United States' players celebrates at the end the France 2019 Women's World Cup quarter-final football match between France and United States, on June 28, 2019, at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images) /
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The United States defeated France in the quarterfinals of the Women’s World Cup. Here’s what we learned.

The USWNT defeated France 2-1 in the quarterfinals of the Women’s World Cup on Friday in Paris. The sold out game as Parc des Princes played host to what many considered to be the biggest game in the tournament’s history.

It was another terrific game for Megan Rapinoe, who had another two–goal performance for the U.S. that left the host nation black and Les Blues after this one. Here’s what we learned from the USWNT’s fifth straight win at this World Cup.

1. Julie Ertz is so good

Coach Jill Ellis went with the same starting lineup that defeated Spain in the Round of 16, leaving Lindsey Horan on the bench for the second straight game in favor of Julie Ertz. In the end, the move proved right as the former defender kept France from generating the offense needed to win the game.

https://twitter.com/USWNT/status/1144662740625215488

Horan did come in midway through the second half, giving the U.S. midfield a reset during a key part of the match. The Horan substitution was the spark the U.S. needed to get them up the field for another Rapinoe strike that helped put the game out of reach. Again, another indication of the USWNT’s depth in midfield and why the defending champions look poised for back-to-back titles.

2. Megan Rapinoe’s MVP performance

Rapinoe, who scored two goals in the Spain game, added two more against France, one off a free kick after just five minutes and the second on a breakaway in the 65th minute. The first goal came off a low, bending kick to put the U.S. up early. It was the fifth straight game at this tournament that the Americans scored in the opening 12 minutes of the game.

The second goal of the night, Rapinoe’s fifth of the tournament to tie her with Alex Morgan for tournament top scorer, came during a key part of the game when the Americans were struggling to regain possession. It was another incredible game for the captain, whose runs on the left had the French defense in a fit throughout the match.

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3. Jill Ellis makes history

For Ellis, the victory marked her 100th as U.S. coach. The milestone now puts her among a select category of great USWNT managers since the team won their first World Cup in 1991. Whether Ellis has been too cautious or adventurous remains open for debate. This game proved that Ellis has done a wonderful job negotiating the lineup and injuries throughout this tournament.

Nonetheless, Ellis’ history-making run may not end here. Ellis is looking to be the first U.S. manager to win multiple World Cup titles, something that is looking more and more likely as the team edges one step closer to the final on July 7 in Lyon.

The U.S. next plays England on Tuesday in the semifinals for that chance at another title.