The United States Women's National Team advanced to the quarterfinals for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Spain with a pair of penalty kick goals from Megan Rapinoe.
After breezing through the group stage, the U.S. found themselves in a battle against their Spanish opponent in their first ever Women's World Cup knockout match. The United States came out flying and found the back of the net from the penalty spot after Tobin Heath was fouled six minutes into the contest. Rapinoe, a veteran midfielder of the squad calmly rifled home the opportunity that sent the packed stadium into a frenzy.
Two minutes later, Las Rojas made the most of a defensive mistake in the U.S. defense, as Jennifer Hermoso grabbed possession and floated a shot over goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher to equalize in the ninth minute to snap the American's clean sheet streak.
Both sides battled long into the hot afternoon but a Spanish foul in the box late against Rose Lavelle proved decisive. After a look via VAR to confirm the call, Rapinoe beat the keeper's dive inside the post to clinch the victory.
While Spain gave their all, the win for the USWNT sets up the tournament's highly anticipated match against host country France. It will be the first time the U.S. squares off against a host country and pits the top team in the world against No. 4.
