The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
U.S. makes Cup quarterfinals with 2-1 victory over Spain
REIMS, FRANCE — Spain tested the United States like no other team at the Women’s World Cup.
The Spaniards played an aggressive and physical game that made the U.S. look disorganized at times before the Americans pulled out a 2-1 victory on Monday. Megan Rapinoe converted a pair of penalty kicks to set up the United States’ much-anticipated quarterfinal rendezvous with the French hosts.
The tense match was knotted at 1 until Rapinoe’s second penalty put the defending champions ahead in the 75th minute.
“I think we showed just a lot of grit and experience,” Rapinoe said. “Obviously as we get into these knockout rounds it’s more stressful, there’s more pressure, the games are more intense. Every team lifts its level.”
Rapinoe’s first goal came in the seventh minute at the Stade Auguste-Delaune. U.S. fans were quieted a short time later when Jennifer Hermoso tied it for Spain with the first goal the Americans had allowed in France.
Video review was used to confirm a foul on Rose Lavelle that gave Rapinoe the game-winner, spoiling Spain’s effort in its first knockout-round appearance at a World Cup. The U.S., a three-time World Cup winner, now heads to Paris to face France on Friday night. The French defeated Brazil 2-1 in extra time Sunday.
“I think this is the game that everyone had circled,” Rapinoe said, referring to France. “I hope it’s wild and crazy, I hope the fans are crazy and there’s tons of media around it and it’s just a big spectacle. I think this is incredible for the women’s game, when you have two heavy hitters meeting in the final knockout round.”
The game at the home of Paris Saint-Germain has been anticipated since the tournament draw in December. France is vying to become the first nation to simultaneously hold the men’s and women’s World Cup titles. The United States skated through its group with a stage-record 18 goals and didn’t concede a goal in the group stage for the first time at a World Cup.
Until Monday, the Americans had not allowed a goal in eight straight competitive matches dating to the 2016 Olympics, outscoring opponents 44-0. It was the first goal the United States had allowed this year since a 5-3 win over Australia in an April friendly. La Roja had not scored in its previous two games but still finished second in its group to Germany to get the matchup with the Americans.
“This tournament isn’t supposed to be easy,” U.S. midfielder Samantha Mewis said. “I think these are the kinds of things that let us know that we’re strong and that we can grind through something.”
Rapinoe collected a yellow card in the 37th minute against Spain. The cards could become an issue for the United States going forward. Players who accumulate two through the quarterfinals must sit out the next game.
U.S. coach Jill Ellis coached her 124th match to match April Heinrichs for the most in team history.