Two Megan Rapinoe penalties saw the United States secure their place in the quarter-finals of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Monday after a 2-1 win over Spain.
The holders got off to the perfect start by taking the lead after just seven minutes. Rapinoe struck the opener from the spot after Tobin Heath was brought down in the penalty area.
Yet Spain hit back within three minutes of going behind after some poor defensive play by the United States. Lucia Garcia took advantage and teed up Jennifer Hermoso to chip the ball over goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.
The United States went on to have more of the play throughout the game but were not at their best and needed a second spot-kick with 15 minutes left to play to end Spain’s resistance.
Rose Lavelle went down under minimal contact from Virginia Torrecilla, allowing Rapinoe to bag her second of the match and secure a hard-fought win.
USA progress to face tournament hosts France in the quarter-finals on Friday at Paris Saint-Germain’s Parc des Princes stadium.
