USWNT vs. Spain score: USA soccer survives Women's World Cup scare behind Megan Rapinoe's two penalty kick goals It wasn't easy, but the U.S. is … Christen Press is warming up. Lloyd is one of the two or three best clutch scorers the USA have ever had. 5. If the back four is protected, the U.S. will have a strong enough base to overpower Spain. Ten of the 11 players who started against the USA at the World Cup are on this roster, which is the same number of U.S. players who started against Spain (minus only Alex Morgan). But Spain didn't let up, evening the score less than three minutes later. Megan Rapinoe took the penalty kick for the USA and made no mistake, putting it into the bottom left corner of the net as the Spain goalkeeper dove in the exact opposite direction. 45+2 min: Morgan is fouled 25 yards out. They played the ball to Heath! 90+8 min: Spain try to switch fields, but the impatient Caldentey takes it at midfield. A few highlights ... Michael Konopka: “If VAR has shown anything, it’s a strict adherent to the letter of the law, even if by a millimeter of distance or millinewton of force being applied when kicking an opponent.”, Mario S: “Hopefully the US will score at least one goal not through a penalty shot otherwise the critics will all claim the US should not have won.”, Even then, that call changed the game, and Spain had to chase from there. A January friendly between the two sides prepped the Americans for their match, and they're still very much the favorite. We’re getting seven minutes of stoppage time, much of it surely for the VAR review. What happens if the president doesn't accept the election results? Will not be surprised if they go to Carli Lloyd fairly early in the 2nd half. Spain’s coach, Jorge Vilda, was appointed after the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and has led a renewal for women’s soccer in the country, bringing in new players and new tactics. Wake up. They are missing shots they should be making and Spain is going to get a breakaway with US defenders up in the wrong box.”, Paul G. Frazer: “just have to say, if alex morgan is really struggling, shouldn’t she be subbed?? #conundrums. But the two sides went to the locker room for the half time break tied at one goal apiece. It’s not happening for Alex Morgan today. Morgan clears the ensuing corner. #ESP midfield pressing well although when Lavelle breaks the line, dangerous! United States' midfielder Julie Ertz (L) vies with Spain's forward Nahikari Garcia during the France 2019 Women's World Cup round of sixteen football match between Spain and USA… Most worrying for the USA -- no goals from the run of play, and they didn’t even force a difficult save. I don’t think I can agree with that, but it’s funny that the ball was rarely on the far side of the field. “If we had stars like they have in the U.S., if people could look up to us, to get to that stage we know we have a long journey ahead of us. But if you’re talking about 2019? Dahlkemper heads a cross clear. Match Report. Their defensive numbers from the group stage were very solid, particularly given the relative strength of their opponents. Jenni Hermoso makes the U.S. pay for the turnover and it's 1-1 inside 10 minutes. Naeher clears the ball long. 36 min: Rapinoe and Mewis take turns taking inconsequential worm-burners from 25 yards that go well wide. France needed 30 minutes of extra time to beat Brazil on Sunday in a match that was already quite physical. The battle and the deadlock continued through the second half until the 76th minute when Rapinoe converted a second penalty kick after U.S. midfielder Rose Lavelle was taken down in the area. Roger Theberge wants the US to shoot while the sun is in the Spanish keeper’s eyes. (No, no -- I appreciate all of you.). March 8 2020 On the Pitch. She’ll create the goal to break the Spanish resistance. © 2020 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. Rose Lavelle’s 22-yarder just goes over the bar. Replay shows the call probably wasn’t right. 65 min: The international broadcast shows Hope Solo again after that play. Spain is an up-and-coming women's soccer presence, but is it too early in its progression for an upset of the USA in the Women's World Cup round of 16? It’s a great game, folks. @duresport If Ellis takes off Rapinoe it’ll be a rare bit of evidence that she’s something other than a figurehead. 90+5 min: You’d think Ellis would slow things down and use her third sub.