The United States women’s national team scored early and rode out France’s second half storm to eliminate the hosts from the 2019 Women’s World Cup and advance to an eighth-straight semifinal.
[ MORE: Match recap | 3 things ]
The back line and keeper Alyssa Naeher were invaluable late, but it was headline-making Megan Rapinoe who made the most of her chances in a 2-1 win.
Starting XI
Alyssa Naeher — 7 — Grew into the game and was very good as the Yanks were under pressure over the final half-hour. Timed her jumps well after missing a big back post cross earlier in the contest.
Crystal Dunn — 7 — Was targeted from the opening stanza, and held her own considering the massive amount of pressure.
Abby Dahlhkemper — 6 — Nothing spectacular, but good enough to get the job done.
Becky Sauerbrunn — 8 — Calm and steady, as always.
Kelley O’Hara — 7 — Brought the edge needed to keep France uneasy. Late giveaway denies her an 8.
Sam Mewis (Off 82′) — 6 — Some sloppy moments, but overall kept pumping for 90 minutes.
Julie Ertz — 8 — If she’s not the most important player on the team, she’s 1B. Another day of cleaning up messes and stopping the spills before they get to mess status.
Rose Lavelle (Off 63′) — 5 — Not much room to operate for a very creative player.
Megan Rapinoe (off 88′) — 8 — Two goals is two goals, but remarkably the headline maker has four goals over her last two matches despite not being at her best. That’s saying something.
Alex Morgan — 6 — Must be dealing with an injury, because she’s essentially been a bystander for two matches. Created space well during her best moments.
Tobin Heath — 7 — Terrific playmaking, and very close to scoring what would’ve been a death knell for France if not for an offside flag.
Substitutes
Lindsey Horan (On 63′) — 6 — Couldn’t keep up with Renard on France’s goal, although Renard is her own argument for zonal marking.
Carli Lloyd (On 82′) — N/A
Christen Press (On 88′) — N/A
