Women’s World Cup: US tested by Spain but advance with 2-1 victory

After cruising through the group stages of the Women’s World Cup, the U.S. were put to the test on Monday in its knock-out match against Spain.

They barely passed, with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at the Stade Auguste-Delaune in Reims, France.

The U.S. advances to the quarter-finals to play the highly-anticipated match against tournament host France, in Paris on Friday.

Both of the U.S. goals were scored by Megan Rapinoe from the penalty spot. The first came early, in the seventh minute, when Tobin Heath received a long ball from Abby Dahlkemper and was brought down in the box by Mapi Leon. Rapinoe, wearing the captain’s armband, shot left and Spain’s goalkeeper Sandra Panos went to the right.

Just two minutes later, Spain equalized after U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, under zero pressure, played a questionable ball to Becky Sauerbrunn, who had Spaniard Lucia Garcia on her. Unable to control or clear the ball, Sauerbrunn was dispossessed by Garcia, sending a quick pass to Jennifer Hermoso, who chipped the ball over Naeher, catching her off her line.

Rapinoe converted her second penalty in the 75th minute after Rose Lavelle was fouled by Virginia Torrecilla. Alex Morgan stepped-up to take the shot, but there was a delay of several minutes while the call was subject to VAR.

Once the penalty was confirmed, it was Rapinoe, instead of Morgan, who took the shot. Coach Jill Ellis later said that she had told Rapinoe that she wanted her to take the penalty.

Spain pressured the U.S. from the first whistle and the Americans didn’t seem to be able to overcome the physicality and aggressiveness of the Spanish squad. Morgan was fouled and brought to the ground numerous times, but a yellow card was not shown to Spain until the 85th minute and that was for a foul on Rapinoe. Overall, Spain committed 17 fouls to the five by the U.S.

The best performances on the field for the U.S. came from Dahlkemper and Lavelle. Otherwise, the Americans simply didn’t play well, defensively or offensively. Although Rapinoe converted both penalty shots, she didn’t have a great game, holding the ball too long and being dispossessed before she could deliver a pass.

Crystal Dunn struggled to keep up defensively and Morgan was rendered ineffective by the physicality of the Spanish defenders.

Yet, given the depth of the U.S. bench, Ellis didn’t sub Morgan until the 85th minute, when she put Carli Lloyd in. Lindsey Horan came on for Lavelle in the 89th and Press came in for Rapinoe in extra time. Not enough time for any to make a difference, except to tick some time off the clock.

France will be a much bigger test for the U.S. and after watching how Spain’s pressure and physical play worked against the Americans, the French will probably employ some of the same tactics. This time, the U.S. will need to come out with its “A” game.

USWNT

Nothing Found

Apologies, but no results were found for the requested archive. Perhaps searching will help find a related post.

Women's World Cup

Nothing Found

Apologies, but no results were found for the requested archive. Perhaps searching will help find a related post.

Share and Enjoy !

Shares
Debby von Winckelmann

Recent Posts

Sounders get by on penalties

Seattle Sounders FC 0-0 Club Puebla (Sounders advance 4-3 on penalties) SEATTLE, WA—Seattle Sounders FC…

1 day ago

Suarez penalty pair sends Herons to Leagues Cup semis

Inter Miami CF 2-1 Tigres UNL FORT LAUDERDALE, FL--A pair of penalty kicks from Luis…

1 day ago

Little Mountain’s journey ends against Aruba

Canada 1-6 Aruba WILLIAMSPORT, PA--The Little Mountain Little League of Vancouver's time at the Little…

1 day ago

Report: Teran heading to Brazil, Waterman heading to Fire

CHICAGO, IL--Chicago Fire FC appears to be making a change a center back. Joe Chatz…

2 days ago

A visit to first place San Diego F.C. will be another wholesome challenge

(6) Portland Timbers (10,9,7, 37 points) vs (1) San Diego FC (16,7,4, 52 points) Saturday,…

2 days ago

Welcome to Rose City Matias Rojas

The Portland Timbers have been busy this summer with the acquisition of three important players…

2 days ago