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Women’s World Cup: 5 best moments from the semifinals

By Kevin Parvizi

LYON, FRANCE - JULY 02: Christen Press looks on during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between England and USA at Stade de Lyon on July 02, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 02: Christen Press looks on during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between England and USA at Stade de Lyon on July 02, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) /
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Ellen White (Birmingham City WFC) of England celebrates after scoring her sides first goal during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between England and USA at Stade de Lyon on July 2, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Jose Breton/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Ellen White (Birmingham City WFC) of England celebrates after scoring her sides first goal during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between England and USA at Stade de Lyon on July 2, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Jose Breton/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /

Ellen White’s equalizer against the United States

The United States needed just 10 minutes to score against England in the semifinals, but England mounted the perfect response just nine minutes later. And who else would drift in between the two center backs and hit home an inch-perfect cross than Ellen White?

White could – and maybe should – be in the lead of the Golden Boot race but had a second goal disallowed by VAR in this game.

However, she’ll always have this goal in the semifinals and five other slick finishes. White has become one of the world’s most dangerous strikers, with her intelligent off-ball movement causing so many headaches for defenses, including the United States. She was one of the best players on the pitch in this game; this goal exemplified the exquisite one-touch finishing she possesses.

Credit must also go to left midfielder Beth Mead, who is potentially the best crosser in the world. Mead created chance after chance for England in this tournament, and in the future, Phil Neville will have no choice but to make her a regular over veteran Toni Duggan.

Speaking of celebrations, White’s Anthony Modeste-inspired “Goggles” celebration is right up there with the best of them.

Christen Press’s big moment

Megan Rapinoe couldn’t start in the United States semifinals game against England due to a hamstring injury, and it looked like a tough blow, given that she scored twice in both of the team’s previous 2-1 knockout stage victories. However, in-the-know fans understood that backup Christen Press was more than just the “next woman up”, as she’s been one of the best players in the world at the club level over the past few years.

It didn’t take long for Press to show her world-class ability or her goal-scoring touch, as she struck in the 10th minute. Making a smart run to the far post, Press hammered home a Kelley O’Hara cross with her head, seizing a major opportunity to impress on the grand stage.

That was as good of a headed finish as there’s been in the 2019 Women’s World Cup. Having players like Press, Mallory Pugh, and Sam Mewis off the bench is a huge advantage for the United States, and Press ensured that her team didn’t miss a beat without living legend Megan Rapinoe in the starting lineup.

Press is honestly as good, if not better, than Rapinoe overall, but Rapinoe has that added X-Factor of showing up in the biggest games. With this goal, Press showed that she can provide that same added bonus.