Women's World Cup 2019: Megan Rapinoe's USA penalties knock out Spain amid more VAR controversy

Spain 1-2 USA: The reigning champions came through a tight game to progress to the quarter-finals where they will meet hosts France

Megan Rapinoe celebrates scoring USA's match-winning second goal (Reuters)

The reigning champions USA knocked Spain out of the Women’s World Cup in Reims to set up a mouth-watering quarter-final with hosts France thanks to two penalties by Megan Rapinoe, but the intervention of VAR once again overshadowed performances on the field.

Rapinoe’s first penalty in the seventh minute was straightforward enough, though it was quickly cancelled out by Jennifer Hermoso’s equaliser as the teams reached half-time level. But in the second half the US were awarded a far less clear-cut spot-kick, following a five-minute delay while the decision was referred to the video official soundtracked to whistles and boos from the crowd, which Rapinoe eventually converted.

Rose Lavelle fell in the box after slight contact with Virginia Torrecilla, prompting referee Katalin Kulcsar to award a penalty, which was confirmed by VAR to Spain’s understandable frustration.

Spain defended well for large periods of the match against the tournament favourites and showed how the holders can be frustrated, but fell just short of pulling off a famous upset.

“You can talk tactics but heart, grit and resolve – that’ a big part of World Cup soccer. No game is ever easy in this tournament,” said US coach Jill Ellis. “We know that, we’ve learned that. So part of it is the mental piece and I thought they were great tonight.”

Rapinoe added: “That’s World Cup level grit right there. You can’t replicate it, there’s no way to express it or teach it. The game’s only getting harder and more intense from here. Everybody is playing for their lives. That’s the best part about it honestly. I love it. This is the best stage.”