Paris, France (June 28, 2019) — It was the final match that wasn’t technically a final match. Instead, the United States Women’s National Team and France squared off in the quarterfinals. It was a match fitting of a final. In the end, the USWNT were able to snag a 1-2 victory over the host nation.
France has made the semifinals twice in the history of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Meanwhile, the USWNT have made the semifinals during every single World Cup. On paper, it might seem like an easy breeze for the United States.
Megan Rapinoe, USWNT dance to semifinals with win over France
However, it was anything but that.
Megan Rapinoe, though, had no problem making it look easy. She was there when the French defeated the USWNT in January, 3-1. However, she wanted revenge. Right now, she’s the most talked about player. She’s publicly spoken out against President Donald Trump. She continues to advocate for LGBTQ rights. People are mad because she doesn’t sing the national anthem.
Yet, through all of that, Rapinoe wanted a circus — she said so before the match. She created that circus and cheering from USA fans when she scored the opening goal in the 5th minute off a free kick. Then, she tapped in the game-winning goal in the 65th minute, after going unmarked inside the box.
Rapinoe notched her second-straight match with a brace. She’s been the United States’ best player, arguably, during this World Cup. This is coming from a player that once tore her ACL and didn’t know if she would play again.
However, while the United States celebrates, France goes home. The host-nation of the FIFA World Cup, France went perfect in their group and topped Brazil in a wild Round of 16 match. Their journey in the tournament on their home soil has come to an end. It’s the same thing that happened to Canada in 2015.
The @USWNT is now tied for the longest winning streak in #FIFAWWC history. 💪🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/66KNWeo8KL
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 28, 2019
The Goals
DREAM START FOR THE USA! 🇺🇸@mpinoe's free kick gets past everyone as the @USWNT takes an early lead once again! #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/K5oHYnCyvD
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 28, 2019
MORGAN ➡️ HEATH ➡️ RAPINOE
A wonderful team goal doubles the @USWNT's lead! #FIFAWWC 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/B9OGQIKzSP
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 28, 2019
GAME ON! 😳
Stop us if you've heard this before. Renard with the header off a set piece. France are back in it. #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/DGdOzfDNLZ
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 28, 2019
What’s next for the USWNT?
One word: Lionesses.
England has been impressive in the World Cup. In a stout and under-minded group, England came out on top with three wins over Scotland, Argentina and Japan. Meanwhile, in the Round of 16, they battled fiercely with Cameroon.
In the quarterfinals, England topped Norway, 3-0. The match will begin on Tuesday at 3 p.m. ET.
