By Tommy Kane

Published: June 24th, 2019

The United States Women’s National Team narrowly defeated Spain, 2-1, in the Quarterfinals in Reims, France. The Round of 16 knockout match took place on Jun. 24, 2019. The USWNT had a difficult opponent and scored two penalty kicks in the game to give them the win.

With the victory, the Americans will go ahead and play France in the Quarterfinals, the well-anticipated match of the 2019 World Cup.

To much delight for the U.S. fans, Alex Morgan and Julie Ertz were in the starting lineup. Both were dealing with injuries and were questionable for the game.

Spain Shows Up

Spain was on the ball within the first minute of the game and gave the Americans a show, having shot the ball and it just being blocked by the defense.

On the contrary, the United States was able to score first and get the momentum going. Tobin Heath got clipped in the penalty area when trying to create a play, which gave the Americans a penalty kick in just the 7th minute. Megan Rapinoe (shown above) took it and scored, giving the U.S. a 1-0 lead early.

Just two minutes later, American keeper, Alyssa Naeher (shown below #1), gave a questionable pass to Becky Sauerbrunn (shown below #4), who hesitated and lost possession of the ball. Jennifer Hermoso of Spain got on the ball and lobbed it past Naeher and into the net, tying the game, 1-1. It was the first goal the U.S. had conceded in the 2019 World Cup, as well as the first one in 647 minutes of gameplay.

Spain played a very physical match and even pushed Morgan around often, causing her to woe a few times. Each time though, she was able to get back onto the pitch and continue.

Also, the Spanish were pushing the American back-line to the limit, looking good on a few crosses in the area. Still, the U.S. kept the game held at 1-1, as well as had a few opportunities of their own. Nonetheless, the game was level at the half and was the first time in this World Cup where the U.S. was tied at the half.

Another Penalty to Win

Starting off strong in the second half was key to the Spanish, and they did so, finding opportunities and getting shots off. They also played a more physical game than before, which was borderline yellow card conduct.

The game longed on and the Americans grew worried that they would be heading into extra time. Rapinoe, Rose Lavelle, and Sam Mewis (shown in the first picture, #3) all had great chances in the second half but just couldn’t finish.

Finally, in the 75th minute, the Stars and Stripes got another killer opportunity to put the game away. Lavelle was tripped up in the box, which summoned another penalty kick for the USA. It was checked by VAR and confirmed, which brought Rapinoe (shown below) back to the strike. She tucked it in the corner past Spanish keeper, Sandra Panos, and gave the Americans that all-important 2-1 lead.

In the final 15 minutes, both teams made a few changes. The most important moment came when Naeher went in the air and collided with a Spanish player to keep the ball out of the net (not a shot on net for Spain). She was shaken up on the game-saving play but continued on well.

The final whistle sounded and the Americans were relieved to end the game. Spain gave them their all and it showed. The Spanish only had one shot on target, which was the goal, but they smothered the U.S. with multiple chances throughout the match. The U.S. had three shots on target, with two of them being penalty kick goals.

A Difficult Match Against Les Bleus

On Jun. 28, 2019, the Americans will head to Paris, France, to take on the host nation in a critical Quarterfinal match at 3 PM EST. As stated previously, this was a well-anticipated match, predicted by many analysts. France beat Brazil to get to the Quarterfinals in extra time, 2-1. They were not the only ones to have a difficult time in their knockout match.

The 2-1 result against Spain was most likely what the Americans didn’t want, but we are watching the highest level at the highest stage. Not everything is going to come easy, and some results will not look nice, but the Americans did what needed to be done and they will get to move on.

Spain, along with many other teams, is better than they have ever been due to the women’s sport growing around the world. It’s tough to look at the game and judge the U.S. by that scoreline. There were many problems with the U.S., but to reiterate they got the job done and will get to evaluate themselves before France.

Naeher was tested today and had to come out big when needed. Her one big error, unfortunately, gave Spain a tally, but there is still much to learn for the game. Lavelle and Mewis are impressive in the midfield, to say the least. The back-line got the job done when called upon. There were a few times where Spain could have scored again if it weren’t for the alert defense batting the ball away from the net.

Looking ahead, France will test the Americans more than before. They have been a difficult foe for the U.S. for years, and they are arguably stronger than ever before. A full United States lineup will need to ready and at their best, or France may knock them out. Look for Morgan and Heath to have better games in this one.

The Americans are now making their way up the mountain and will have to hurdle over a few bumps to get to the top and hoist the trophy.

GO USA!

Match Stats Against Spain

Video Highlights Against Spain