The hype around the US at this World Cup finally appears to be waning, even as the Americans beat a resilient Spain side 2-1 on Monday with the help of two penalties. Both spot kicks were scored by Megan Rapinoe to put the Americans through and negate a mistake in the American back line that gifted Spain their goal. The reigning champions now move on to the quarter-finals, where they will face hosts France on Friday in a clash of arguably the two strongest teams left in the tournament.
“We showed a lot of grit and experience in this game,” Rapinoe said. “As we get into knockout rounds, it’s more stressful, there’s more pressure, the games are more intense. It was important for us to stay in it.”
Written by Caitlin Murray at Stade Auguste-Delaune, Reims
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/jun/24/usa-spain-womens-world-cup-match-report under the title “USA edge past gritty Spain to set up mouthwatering quarter-final with France”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
