Megan Rapinoe scored two penalties as the United States edged past Spain 2-1 to set up a Women's World Cup quarter-final against hosts France.
Having put the defending champions ahead early on, Rapinoe kept her cool after a length VAR delay to restore USA's lead from the spot with 14 minutes remaining.
USA had not conceded a goal heading into Monday's last-16 tie in Reims, but Spain star Jennifer Hermoso had found a way through to restore parity shortly after Rapinoe's opener.
READ : USA vs Spain, as it happened
Virginia Torrecilla's slight touch on Rose Lavelle handed USA a reprieve, though, and captain Rapinoe made no mistake to send Jill Ellis' side into a last-eight clash with France on Friday.
USA was ahead after seven minutes – Rapinoe tucking her first spot-kick into the bottom-left corner following Maria Leon's clumsy foul on Tobin Heath.
But USA conceded for the first time in the tournament two minutes later when Hermoso curled home following Becky Sauerbrunn's error.
Rapinoe looked set to restore USA's lead soon after, but Irene Paredes made a superb block before an injury to Vicky Losada dealt Spain a blow.
READ : Women's World Cup Round of 16: Clash of strong defences as Italy faces China
Despite a sluggish second-half display, USA were handed a chance to retake the advantage in the 71st minute, with Torrecilla adjudged to have brought down Lavelle.
A check with VAR confirmed the referee's decision and Rapinoe – who had taken the ball off Alex Morgan during the five-minute stoppage – arrowed in a low finish.
Rapinoe went close to completing her hat-trick with an audacious effort moments later, but the miss mattered little as USA held firm to book their last-eight berth.
Comments
SHARE