U.S.A. vs. France: Live Updates from Women’s World Cup

Rory Smith on the atmosphere inside Parc des Princes:

The circus has, finally, come to town. This may only be a quarterfinal — and it may, in the long run, have little or no impact on who ultimately wins the tournament — but it does, without question, feel like a substantially bigger occasion than that. The stands are full of tricolors and Stars and Stripes, the balance impressively even; there is a huge banner of Marianne, France’s national symbol, in the Parc des Princes, and the first beats of Seven Nation Army welcomed the teams.

This is the game that Megan Rapinoe — not alone, most likely — wanted: arguably the most anticipated in the history of the Women’s World Cup, between two teams who might both be able to make a case to be considered the best on the planet, and the favorite for the tournament.

Worries that the sapping heat that has enveloped France over the last week or so might ruin the occasion, draining the players, can probably be set aside: It is warm, but the edge has been blunted. France is the one team that might have something of a psychological edge over the Americans, the one team that seems to have its number. This is the chance to prove it.

5’

GOOOOOOALLLLL!! Rapinoe! 1-0!

The absolutely perfect start for the United States. Rapinoe, taking the free kick won by Morgan, drives it at the near post, where a crowd of players blocks Bouhaddi’s view. The low cross screams in, nutmegs a jumping Ertz, and is past the goalkeeper before she has seen it. A blistering, dangerous set piece, and the Americans lead, 1-0.

You can blame Bouhaddi there a little, but that free kick was merciless, and she had to respect the runners at the near post. When no one touched it, the pace of it was just too much for her to react.