The FIFA Women’s World Cup has been full of exciting matchups and games, from the United States’ 13-0 win over Thailand to France’s extra-time winner over Brazil in the first knockout match. But the match between the United States and France Friday is by far the biggest game of the tournament yet.
Each team were heavy favorites heading into the tournament, with the United States looking to repeat their 2015 victory, and the hosts hoping to bring home their first Women’s World Cup on home soil. Both teams won all three games in their group, with France having less than half the goal difference the U.S. came out of their group with.
In the Round of 16, the United States unconvincingly beat Spain 2-1, with both of their goals coming from two Megan Rapinoe penalties. Meanwhile, France battled a formidable Brazil, taking them to extra-time level at 1-1 and an Amandine Henry goal in the 106th minute securing the victory.
The matchup that is being touted as the decider of who will go on to win the tournament kicks off Friday at 3:00 p.m., with the winner facing England. With recent controversy surrounding the USWNT after comments made by Rapinoe about her political views and that she will not be visiting the White House should the team go on to win it, many believe this is France’s golden opportunity to take advantage of a team whose head isn’t in the game.
But to quote Rapinoe’s later comments in the same interview, she stated “We have a great burden of expectation, but I also think that brings out the best in you. And we just expect to win every single game, so if we’re down two-nil with ten minutes left we expect to win that game” she continued. “We’ve been in those situations before, and it’s just sort of ingrained in us.”
The winning mentality is instilled in this United States team, and following a poor showing against Spain they will need to come out with a strong will to get past the home favorites.
The game at the Parc des Princes will be a fantastic showing whether you support the United States, France, or are a neutral, and could decide the fate of this summer’s tournament.
