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USWNT hangs on to defeat Spain 2-1: See all the goals and highlights

It wasn’t pretty, but the USWNT hung on to beat Spain and advance to the quarterfinals of the 2019 Women’s World Cup. Megan Rapinoe scored twice from the spot, the defense did enough, and the U.S. fans will have a ton of questions for head coach Jill Ellis after the match.

Ellis was criticized mightily during the game for her inability to make any subs for the first 80 minutes, despite striker Alex Morgan appearing less than 100% for much of the game.

The U.S. midfield, especially Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle, were brilliant however, and the defense was strong enough to hang on to win 2-1.

Here are all the highlights from the game:

Highlights

6′ – PENALTY TO USA AND RAPINOE CONVERTS. USA 1 – 0 SPAIN

Tobin Heath is played in beautifully, beats the defender, and gets her foot stomped on. Penalty called, and it’s a clear one.

Rapinoe steps up and confidently buries the spot kick, and it’s a dream start for the U.S.

9′ – CATASTROPHE USA. SPAIN SCORES. USA 1 – 1 SPAIN

Utter disaster from the United States. A free kick from the keeper Naeher to Becky Sauerbrunn is mishandled, then passed directly to Hermosa of Spain. Naeher was off her line, and Hermoso finishes beautifully. The US has finally been scored on, and this right here is why people were asking questions about the USWNT defense heading into the tournament.

70′ —PENALTY TO USA. VAR UPHOLDS, AND RAPINOE SCORES. USA 2 – 1 SPAIN.

USA gets a penalty for them called that looks VERY borderline. Rose Lavelle appeared to get kicked in the knee, but review shows that the contact was very light at best. Spain will feel hard done if VAR holds this up.

…and VAR holds it up. That’s a really tough call for Spain.

Rapinoe goes same spot and buries it in the low corner. Two huge moments in an otherwise unimpressive game.

Lineups

Spain lineup:

  • 13 Paños
  • 3 Leila
  • 4 Paredes
  • 6 Losada
  • 7 M. Corredera
  • 10 J. Hermoso
  • 11 Alexia
  • 12 Patri
  • 14 Virginia
  • 16 María León
  • 17 L. García

Preview

The United States women’s national team is taking on Spain in the round of 16 of the Women’s World Cup on Monday at noon E.T. USA has taken care of business so far, winning its group matches easily, but now it’s on to the knockout rounds. Win or go home.

The big lineup news ahead of the match is Sam Mewis entering for Lindsey Horan. Horan was a yellow card away from receiving an automatic suspension for the quarterfinal, and Mewis has been fantastic, so Jill Ellis can avoid losing Horan while getting Mewis on the field, all of which is good.

The US is heavily favored, but Spain is arguably the strongest team they’ve faced so far in the tournament. We’ll see how they do.

[jwplayer O7Bbjv0m-q2aasYxh]

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