This archive report was first published on 29 June 2019.
Rapinoe Leads U.S. to Semi-Finals ¶
On June 28, 2019, the United States women's national soccer team secured a spot in the semi-finals of the World Cup with a 2-1 victory over hosts France at the Parc des Princes.
Megan Rapinoe, who had been involved in a pre-match controversy with U.S. President Donald Trump, opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a low-struck free-kick from the left that went in untouched through a crowd of players.
The 33-year-old Rapinoe added her second goal in the 65th minute, and although France got back in the game with a Wendie Renard header in the 81st, the U.S. held firm to maintain their record of never missing out on the World Cup semi-finals.
Corinne Diacre's French team played attractive, passing football, but it was the killer edge of the experienced Americans that proved decisive.
"You have to give it up to the French team. They outplayed us for sure with the ball today," said Rapinoe.
"But we were so good defensively, so strong. We hit them where it hurt, we took our chances. This team has an unreal amount of heart," she added.
Next up for the holders are England on Tuesday in Lyon, and that should prove an equally tough test.
For France, the inquest will begin into how this talented side, once again fell short.
