US tested by Spain, advance with 2-1 victory

After cruising through the group stage of the Women’s World Cup, the U.S. was put to the test on Monday in its knock-out match against Spain and they barely passed, with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at the Stade Auguste-Delaune in Reims, France.

The U.S. advances to the quarterfinals to play a highly-anticipated match against tournament host France, in Paris on Friday.
Both of the U.S. goals were scored by Megan Rapinoe from the penalty spot. The first came early, in the seventh minute, when Tobin Heath received a long ball from Abby Dahlkemper and was brought down in the box by Mapi Leon. Rapinoe, wearing the captain’s armband, shot left and Spain’s goalkeeper Sandra Panos went to the right.

Just two minutes later, Spain equalized after U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, under zero pressure, played a questionable ball to Becky Sauerbrunn, who had defender Lucia Garcia on her. Unable to control or clear the ball, Sauerbrunn was dispossessed by Garcia, sending a quick pass to Jennifer Hermoso, who shot over Naeher, caught off her line.

Rapinoe converted her second penalty in the 75th minute after Rose Lavelle was fouled by Virginia Torrecilla. Alex Morgan stepped-up to take the shot, but there was a delay of several minutes while the call was subject to VAR. Once the penalty was confirmed, it was Rapinoe, instead of Morgan, who took the shot. Coach Jill Ellis later said that she had told Rapinoe that she wanted her to take the penalty.

Spain pressured the U.S. from the first whistle and the Americans didn’t seem to be able to overcome the physicality and aggressiveness of the Spanish squad. Morgan was fouled and brought to the ground numerous times, but a yellow card was not shown to Spain until the 85th minute and that was for a foul on Rapinoe. Overall, Spain committed 17 fouls to five by the U.S.

The best performances on the field for the U.S. came from Dahlkemper and Lavelle. Otherwise, the Americans simply didn’t play well, defensively or offensively. Although Rapinoe converted both penalty shots, she didn’t have a great game, holding the ball too long and being dispossessed before she could deliver a pass. Crystal Dunn struggled to keep up defensively and Morgan was rendered ineffective by the physicality of the Spanish defenders.

Yet, given the depth of the U.S. bench, Ellis didn’t sub Morgan until the 85th minute, when she put Carli Lloyd in. Lindsey Horan came in for Lavelle in the 89th and Press came in for Rapinoe in extra time. Not enough time for any to make a difference, except to tick some time off the clock.

France will be a much bigger test for the U.S. and after watching how Spain’s pressure and physical play worked against the Americans, the French will probably employ some of the same tactics. This time, the U.S. will need to come out with its “A” game.