France 1, United States 2
It was the game everyone was talking about. The chatter of the United States and France meeting in the quarterfinals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup began before the tournament even started. Once the match up was confirmed, it seemed like it was getting hype more than the actual final. Needless to say, the match did not disappoint.
In a friendly in January, the two sides faced off, with France taking a 3-1 victory on home soil. However, this time, in Paris, the Untied States thumped the host nation, 0-1.
France is now out of the tournament, being held on their home soil. Meanwhile, the United States has advanced to another World Cup semifinal. In every World Cup the United States has been part of, they’ve made the semifinals.
Megan Rapinoe is a big part of the reason for the punched ticket this year. Rapinoe slid in a free kick goal in the 5th minute. While she certainly looked to target a teammate, Rapinoe’s ball slipped past her teammates and the French defenders to find the back of Sarah Bouhaddi’s net.
She worked her magic again in the second half, slipping another past Bouhaddi. This time, Rapinoe was essentially unmarked on the left side and a ball from Tobin Heath skipped to her. The United States shocked the French team, whom they just met up with six months ago.
A third goal almost came from Heath, but the offside flag was raised. After a quick check from VAR, the no-goal was officially confirmed. Wendie Renard of France earned a big-time goal for France in the 81st minute, but it wasn’t enough for France to force extra time or move on. Instead, they couldn’t find the second goal they needed.
Now, the road only gets harder.
The USWNT will face off with an England team that handed a big 3-0 loss to Norway in the Quarterfinals. England, just like the USA, had a perfect group stage and England put up another 3-0 win against Cameroon to kick off the knockout round. Ellen White has been a menace on the pitch for England, with six goals in this World Cup.
The semifinal match will take place on Tuesday at 3 p.m. ET.
Goal Summary
- United States (Megan Rapinoe, 5′)
- United States (Megan Rapinoe, 65′)
- France (Wendie Renard, 81′)
Caution Summary
- France (Griedge Mbock Bathy, 4′)
— Rachael McKriger
