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
