For the past 20 years, the United States and France have been playing in one of the most intense matches in women's football. In the semifinals, the Americans came up short 2-0, but the game was not over. France scored a late goal for a 2-1 victory. A 6-foot-2 defender, Wendie Renard, kicked the ball past Alyssa Neher. This goal may set the tone for French offensive efforts during the second period. The United States has still eight minutes to keep the draw alive.
Results for the Uswnt and France world cup
France and the United States women's team will meet in the women’s international cup. Both sides are well-versed in large matches and have a solid pedigree. France has won twice and drew once in the last three meetings. France has just won 3-1 over the USA in this match.
The USWNT entered the locker room with an urgency. In the first half, Valerie Gauvin's header was blocked by U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. Soon after, the United States scored a Sam Mewis header. France is losing possession and they appear to be going into overtime.
Megan Rapinoe performing
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 scored her second goal in half two, which was the difference in this match. The United States led by 1-0. France was able to score a late goal due to Wendie Renard's free kick. Rapinoe scored her 50th international goal of her career and helped the United States reach its first quarterfinals at the world cup.
Becky Sauerbrunn performed
Becky Sauerbrunn (34) is a 34 year-old defender and two time Olympian who will co-captain America's women's soccer side by side in France. The USA is trying to repeat their World Cup victory from 2015. During the 2015 World Cup, she played every minute for the team in the center back position. She was an outstanding player at a young age and is now co-captaining the team.
Although the Americans have a stronger team, they still have some fresh faces. Sauerbrunn's crucial error in the 1-0 win against Spain was an unfortunate one, but she has learned a lot 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 is one of France's most decorated players, having won a record 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 scored in four of the past five World Cups, a record that is the most prolific in the tournament. Renard's impressive goalscoring record speaks volumes about her attacking play. She is a skilled striker who has a strong left foot and can score from distance.
USA sued United States Soccer Federation
The U.S. Soccer Federation is facing major criticism for its stance in the pay dispute between the men and women's soccer teams. Many sponsors and supporters were disillusioned when the federation hired lobbyists as part of its opposition to the lawsuit by women's teams. Similar tactics were used by the women's team, which leveraged social media to take advantage of uncomfortable conversations in court.
A lawsuit against the USSF caused outrage within the soccer community. It accused the federation sexism and discriminatory behavior. In response to the backlash, Carlos Cordeiro (USSF president) resigned in March 2020. Cordeiro was re-elected by Cone to be the president of USSF. Cordeiro is still an active member of the USSF board, but he is running again for president.