Women's World Cup: Morgan sends USA into final despite Rapinoe absence

United States is into a third successive Women's World Cup final after beating England 2-1 in a thrilling semifinal on Tuesday.

Published : Jul 03, 2019 02:40 IST

Alex Morgan became the first player in World Cup history to score on her birthday.
Alex Morgan became the first player in World Cup history to score on her birthday.
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Alex Morgan became the first player in World Cup history to score on her birthday.

Steph Houghton missed a controversial late penalty as title defender United States beat England 2-1 to reach a third successive Women's World Cup final, despite the absence of inspirational co-captain Megan Rapinoe.

The Lionesses had the opportunity to at least force extra-time with an 84th-minute spot-kick, but Houghton's poor effort was saved and Millie Bright saw red late on as USA held on to ensure its title defence goes to the final stage.

Rapinoe's absence, said to be due to a hamstring issue, provided a pre-match shock, but Christian Press made a swift impact as her replacement when heading in the opener, before Ellen White's equaliser was cancelled out by Morgan nodding in just past the half-hour mark on her birthday.

READ | Alex Morgan becomes first in Women's World Cup history to score on her birthday

England produced a good response in the second half and White had a second goal ruled out for straying marginally offside, before Alyssa Naeher easily saved Houghton's penalty and a frustrated Bright earned a second booking, providing a disappointing end for Phil Neville's side.

A breathless start resulted in USA opening the scoring early, with Press meeting Kelley O'Hara's deep cross with a fine header into the top-left corner.

But England – which had looked overwhelmed – levelled nine minutes later, White expertly guiding Beth Mead's left-wing cross into the top-right corner with a first-time effort.

Morgan ensured USA went into the break ahead, however, racing on to Lindsey Horan's lofted pass and glancing a header beyond Carly Telford, before appearing to mock England in her celebration, as she pretended to sip from a cup of tea.

ALSO READ | Megan Rapinoe benched due to hamstring injury

The Lionesses improved after the break and thought they had the equaliser 23 minutes from time as White converted after Jill Scott's gorgeous flicked pass, but a VAR review deemed the striker to have been just offside.

Another VAR referral nine minutes from time gave England a penalty after Becky Sauerbrunn was deemed to have fouled White with the goal at her mercy, but Houghton's feeble effort, taken a full three minutes later, was easily saved.

Bright then showed her annoyance with a strong tackle on Morgan that earned her a second yellow card, and USA subsequently finished the job.

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