France and the United States have been a fierce rival in women’s soccer for over two decades. However, the Americans lost in the semifinals by a score of 2-0. But the game was not over. France scored a late goal to go up 2-1. A 6-foot-2 defender, Wendie, headed the ball past Alyssa Naeher. The goal sets the stage for French offensive effort in the second. Still, the United States has eight minutes left to draw a draw.
Results for the Uswnt and France world cup
In the women's cup, the United States will take on France as the women's national team. Both teams have experience in big matches. They also both have a strong pedigree. France has won twice and been drawn once in the last three matches. France recently won the 3-1 victory over the USA.
The USWNT emerged from the locker room feeling a sense of urgency. In the first half, Valerie Gauvin's header was blocked by U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. The United States equalized shortly after with a Sam Mewis header. But France has been losing possession, and it appears they will go into overtime.
Megan Rapinoe's performance
Megan Rapinoe’s performance during the US/France world cup 2019 Quarterfinals was an outstanding moment. The American forward scored two goals and was present in the first match. As she ran away from the goal, she acknowledged the irony and took a quick free kick.
Rapinoe scored her first goal in the first half as the United States took the lead. She added her second goal in the second half, which proved to be the difference in the match. The United States led 1-0, but France scored a late goal through a Wendie Renard free kick. Rapinoe's goal was her 50th career international goal and helped the United States reach the quarterfinals of the world cup for the first time.
Becky Sauerbrunn performing
Becky Sauerbrunn will co-captain this summer's United States women’s soccer squad in France. The USA is trying to repeat their World Cup victory from 2015. She played every minute during the 2015 World Cup for the USA in the central back position. She was a brilliant player when she was young and now she co-captains the team.
While the Americans have a more experienced squad, there are still some new faces in their squad. Sauerbrunn did make a mistake in the win over Spain that cost her the victory, but she has learned from it. After the game, Sauerbrunn acknowledged her error and was glad that her team advanced to the next round.
Megan Renard's prolific goalscoring record
Megan Renard's impressive goalscoring record at the world cups makes her a strong contender for the Best FIFA Female Player award. The 30-year old Renard is France's most decorated player. She has won 14 French League titles and seven European Cups. Additionally, she has scored over 100 goals in Lyon and 28 for France. Renard has been an impressive candidate for the award despite only having played in four matches against France. Her early header in a UEFA Euro 2022 qualifying match against Austria helped secure France's spot in the tournament.
Renard has also been a scorer in four of the five previous World Cups. This is the longest streak in the tournament's history. Her prolific goalscoring record is a testament to the quality of her attacking play. She is a powerful striker, has a good left-foot and is capable of scoring from a distance.
USA sues United States Soccer Federation
Major criticism is being levelled at the U.S. Soccer Federation for its position in the dispute over the salaries of the women's and men's soccer teams. Many supporters and sponsors have been disillusioned by the federation's decision not to hire lobbyists to fight the suit against women's soccer. The women's team took a similar approach and used social media followings as a weapon to diffuse uncomfortable exchanges in court.
A lawsuit against the USSF caused outrage within the soccer community. It accused the federation sexism and discriminatory behavior. The USSF president, Carlos Cordeiro, resigned in March 2020 due to the backlash. Cordeiro was succeeded by Cone as president. Cordeiro is still an active member of the USSF board, but he is running again for president.