After a fairly underwhelming 2-0 win against New Zealand in their first group-stage game, the US Women's National Team earned a huge three points against heavyweights France, which will go a long way to secure first place in their group at the Rio Olympics.
It wasn't a dominating victory by any stretch of the word, however. France were clearly the better team in the first half, as they forced three solid saves from Hope Solo and they spent much of the first 45 in the attacking half. But the US improved in the second half, and after an extended period of time in front of France's goal, Carli Lloyd tapped home a rebound give the Americans a 1-0 lead they wouldn't relinquish.
The best scoring opportunity of the game went to France's Marie-Laure Delie in the 42nd-minute. She had a breakaway opportunity saved very well by Solo, who had a number of big stops despite boos and jeers by the fans. France created many of their chances from set pieces, where they had a significant height advantage.
The US will face Colombia in the final group game, while France will take on New Zealand.
Lineups:
US:
Your #USWNT starting XI: Solo; O’Hara, Engen, Sauerbrunn, Klingenberg; Long, Brian, Lloyd (c); Dunn, Morgan, Heath. pic.twitter.com/xCh3A10JKK
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) August 6, 2016
France:
Et voici la compo des Bleues pour ce choc ! #AllezLesBleues #FRAUSA #Rio2016
— Equipe de France (@equipedefrance) August 6, 2016
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France4 / Canalplus pic.twitter.com/EpBQnVgHwH