FIFA Women’s World Cup: USA took on host country France and won 2-1
It was a glorious example of cool confidence as the USA defeated France to Advance to the Semi-Final against England. The USA, the defending champions have battled, conquered and continue to rise to the challenge.
Of course @emilysonnett got the postgame dance party started 🎉pic.twitter.com/ZtvENivAR8
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 28, 2019
Today is a day Parisians will not soon forget. The USA eliminated France from the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup with poise and, for the most part, ease.
Live in the pressure 🤨
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) June 28, 2019
We’re headed to Lyon for a semifinal clash vs. England!#FIFAWWC | #OneNationOneTeam pic.twitter.com/1LsWNbNdqA
Advancing to take on England in the Semifinal played in Lyon, the USA looked jubilant and tired as they hugged on the pitch after the final whistle blew. It was a must win game for the Red, White and Blue and Megan Rapinoe proved once again her amazing star power.
Scoring twice, in the 5th and 65th minute, Rapinoe brought a new level of calm to the pitch, especially after scoring her second goal. Rapinoe is elegant, self-assured and intelligent. Few players have ever had her combination of talent, poise and Chutzpah.
Now, after her second goal, Rapinoe is in a three-way tie with America’s other top goal scorer Alex Morgan and Australia’s Sam Kerr for the Golden Boot Award.
The excitement for the USA continued as Tobin Heath shot the ball into the back of the net off of a cross from Crystal Dunn in the 75th minute — but the goal was ruled offside, with controversy still lingering regarding this call.
If somehow your heart rate is back to normal, we’ve got some highlights so you can re watch that incredible game all over again. pic.twitter.com/iScsYtlHBx
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) June 28, 2019
Many people wondered why France and the U.S. had to meet in the quarterfinals. These countries should have met in the final. While the USA usually works hard to dominate possession, France clearly controlled the ball the majority of the time, even if they could not score until Wendie Renard‘s goal changed the game and tightened the match. Down only one goal in the 81st minute, France became alive — and so did the American cheering squad. A 2-1 score can easily go either way and the USA was determined to hold on to the lead.
The cheering in the packed Paris stadium was a magnificent show of support for our country. The chanting USA, USA, USA could be heard across the globe, delighting pro-American fans.
This was U.S. Soccer Women’s National Team head coach Jill Ellis‘ 100th win, and she is now tied with the late great Tony DiCicco.
“It was a tough game,” said Ellis after the match. “And, it was fantastic.”
Julie Foudy, who was onsite in Paris for the game, said she had never been to a woman’s match that was thumping the way the crowd at this game was. “It was insane. The 5th-minute goal by Megan Rapino sucked the air out of the stadium. Rapino hit it perfectly,” said Foudy.
“Watching a lot of high-level professional games will help you to understand the game better.”
Mirelle van Rijbroek, U.S. Soccer Director of Talent Identification
“It is great for young players to watch the World Cup. They are able to see different playing styles and strategies,” said Mirelle van Rijbroek, U.S. Soccer Director of Talent Identification. “Watching these games can inspire and motivate today’s youth players. These World Cup players are examples of dedication and hard work which has been invested over the years.”
“For the young girls who are watching the USA play in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, please take a look at the faces of the players — look at how focused they are on what is next,” said Miriam Hickey, U.S. Soccer Club Development Director. “Every player is looking to see how they can impact the next action and help the team win.”
“Anytime a player of any age steps on the field, if they can be that focused on how they can positively impact the game — that is great,” said Hickey.
“I am very proud of our team and staff. The rest of the world is catching up and organizing programming for female players who are in a pro environment day in and day out,” added Hickey. “Winning each and every game in the Women’s World Cup is a big accomplishment.”
Start strong. Finish Strong.#OneNationOneTeam pic.twitter.com/AKhTHUzRmQ
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) June 28, 2019
The United States has been cruising beautifully through these games, breaking records, enchanting new fans and helping the sport grow in too many ways to list. All eyes now turn to the next match when ‘we’ take on England, and hopefully continue our winning streak.
Our national team is inspiring more than our love of the beautiful game. These are women who want to impact history on and off the pitch. This is a powerful squad that has proven its willingness to speak out
But for now, their attention must stay on the World Cup games.
Note: U.S. Soccer will host a viewing party for the U.S. Women’s National Team’s semifinal match of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup against England at Lincoln Park in Chicago, Illinois. Come watch FOX’s broadcast of the match on a giant outdoor video board. The game kicks off at 2 p.m. CT. The event is free and open to the public, however, fans are encouraged to RSVP in advance. Walk-ups are welcome, but space is subject to availability.
Want to discover Megan Rapinoe’s path to these games? It has not always been easy … click to discover her story!
