USWNT advance at World Cup as Spain ask questions of defense
The USWNT have booked their place in the World Cup quarterfinals following a 2-1 victory over Spain—secured with a brace of penalties from Megan Rapinoe.
A physically combative and well organized Spain side gave the US their toughest test of the tournament so far, while exposing some long-feared frailties in defense.
Spain threatened to score within seconds of the start, but it was the US who found the net within seven minutes, when Tobin Heath was brought down in the box. Rapinoe confidently converted.
Just 169 seconds later, however, disaster struck when a poor Alyssa Naeher short ball to Becky Sauerbrunn was intercepted, for Jenni Hermoso to equalize. It was the first goal the US have conceded in eight games, and over 720 minutes.
Doubts have been cast over Naeher, who failed her first test of the tournament when she whiffed a goal against Chile that was flagged for offside. Here, Sauerbrunn should have done much better, but Naeher’s decision to play out from the back put her under needless pressure.
The big issue is that the US have faced two significant defensive tests at this tournament—and failed them both.
The US, who play a risky, gunging-ho attacking style, seemed trouble when faced with a team who were also willing to press. On several occasions, Spain made the American backline look shaky.
And Jill Ellis’ use of width with the wingers and fullbacks left the side looking a little open to the competent Spanish passing game.
The US struggled to deal with the physical challenge that Spain posed, but made the breakthrough with around 20 minutes left when Rose Lavelle was felled in the box for another penalty.
After a VAR review, Rapinoe withstood the pressure to convert for a second time. Despite her penalties, Rapinoe’s performance was unconvincing in regular play—and the same might be said for tournament joint top scorer Alex Morgan, who was subbed late in the game.
The hard-fought win means the US advance to a quarterfinal matchup with France in Paris on Friday. They struggled when facing adversity from the Spanish, but an even tougher test lays ahead.
