{"id":23399,"date":"2019-06-24T19:02:22","date_gmt":"2019-06-24T23:02:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonsoccer.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=23399"},"modified":"2020-03-21T21:50:43","modified_gmt":"2020-03-22T01:50:43","slug":"uswnt-narrowly-win-spain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/soccer\/2019\/06\/24\/uswnt-narrowly-win-spain\/","title":{"rendered":"USWNT narrowly avoid disaster with Spain, advance to quarterfinals"},"content":{"rendered":"

Reims, France (June 24, 2019) \u2014<\/strong> Before the match even started, fans and commentators were already preparing for the next one. The U.S. Women’s National Team didn’t even need to step on the pitch in Reims before they started hearing chatter about USA vs. France<\/a>.<\/p>\n

However, what everyone forgot to do was not underestimate Spain. That’s who the United States needed to beat to get to the quarterfinals. It was clear that there was underestimation from fans, spectators and commentary crew. Throughout most of the Fox Sports broadcast, panelist were already giving the United States the win.<\/p>\n

USWNT narrowly avoid disaster with Spain, advance to quarterfinals<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Phrases regarding the USA having a comfortable win over Spain were tossed around. So, needless to say, Spain wanted to make a statement. Even though they eventually fell to the United States, that statement was made.<\/p>\n

The first-ever meeting between Spain and the United States came in January. Just a few days after being taken down by France, the USWNT scored one goal to top Spain. However, the player to score that goal \u2014 Christen Press \u2014 only got one minute of action. She entered the match in the 96th minute.<\/p>\n

The United States earned their two victories against Spain with penalty takes. The first penalty was given early in the match, when\u00a0Mapi Le\u00f3n fouled Tobin Heath inside the box. Megan Rapinoe, who donned the captain’s armband, took the kick and sent it past\u00a0Sandra Pa\u00f1os.<\/p>\n

However, the second penalty stirred some controversy.<\/p>\n

In the 71st minute, Virginia Torrecilla was called for a foul on Rose Lavelle inside the box. After the match, Lavelle told reporters in the mixed zone that she felt she was clipped. However, others had a different opinion, including former USWNT World Cup champion Julie Foudy.<\/p>\n

\n

Seeing it live and having seen the replays, that was the softest of soft PK\u2019s given on Rose Lavelle. If that was the other way, US fans would be similarly outraged. #FIFAWWC<\/a><\/p>\n

— Julie Foudy (@JulieFoudy) June 24, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n