USA vs France result: Holders knock out hosts to set up semi-final clash against England
Relive all the action as two of the tournament favourites met at the Parc des Princes in Paris
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Holders USA defeated hosts France 2-1 in Paris to advance to the Women's World Cup semi-finals and set up a clash against England.
US talisman Megan Rapinoe gave USA an early lead after just five minutes as her free-kick zipped through the legs of all the bodies crowded in the box and snuck in at the near-post. And then, in the second-half, Rapinoe snatched a second against the run of play, just as France had begun to apply pressure, with the USA on course to advance into the semi-finals.
However, with ten minutes to play, Wendie Renard was left unmarked in the box and headed home to give the hosts a breath of hope and set up a thrilling finale, but the holders just about manager to hold on for victory.
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France 0-1 USA
37 minutes
There's a palpable sense of frustration at the Parc des Princes. France, for all their undoubted quality, cannot find a way past a resolute and disciplined US side. The final ball has been consistently lacking for the hosts.
France 0-0 USA
40 minutes
O’Hara takes out Majri with a heavy challenge in USA's half and is lucky to avoid a booking. France waste the free kick, though, floating a cross straight into the hands of Naeher.
France 0-1 USA
43 minutes
A first shot on target in some time for the US. Dunn collects the ball on the left, finds some space and shoots low towards the bottom corner. But there's not enough power on the effort and it's easily saved.
France 0-1 USA
45 minutes
There'll be two minutes of added time as France search for an equaliser. A throw-in deep in the US half is worked into the box and Diani beats both centre-backs to the ball. Her header is glanced wide of the far post.
Half time: France 0-1 USA
The half ends with a speculative effort on goal from Rapinoe. USA will be very pleased with that opening 45 minutes, though. Their game plan has proved effective so far, restricting a French team that have dominated the ball but looked bereft of ideas in the final third.
They need a spark of creativity if they're to get back into this quarter-final.
The US get us back underway. They're 45 minutes away from reaching another semi-final.
France 0-1 USA
46 minutes
USA very nearly make it 2-0 immediately after the restart. A shot from just outside the box by Mewis is parried straight into the path of Heath, but she can't convert the rebound from close range. Bouhaddi does well to save, and from the resulting corner, Morgan sees a powerful shot blocked.
France 0-1 USA
51 minutes
France have responded well to that early scare. They play some nice football in midfield and Le Sommer finds space to run at the US back four. Ertz, who's been impressive tonight, makes a crucial intervention.
France 0-1 USA
53 minutes
France are gradually building some pressure, chipping away at this disciplined US team. Henry twice goes for goal from range, and on the second occasion wins a corner. From the set piece, Le Sommer climbs highest but heads well over the bar.
France 0-1 USA
56 minutes
Le Sommer is getting more and more involved in the game, a positive sign for France. The ball is swept out to her on the left flank and she drives towards the US box. Her attempted cross is deflected behind for a corner, which is defended well.
That extra bit of quality and guile in the final third hasn't quite been there yet for France.
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