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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Your support makes all the difference.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
58 minutes
Big chance! Diani surges down the right, beats Dunn cleverly and then crosses into the middle. Renard challenges with Naeher, who goes down. But there's no foul. The ball drops to Le Sommer a few yards out, and her shot is dragged into the side netting.
France 0-1 USA
62 minutes
The US are facing wave after wave of French attacks. But they're dealing with everything the hosts throw at them. The latest move comes to an end as Majri smashes a shot into the chest of O'Hara, who goes down winded.
France 0-1 USA
64 minutes
USA make their first change of the game: Lindsey Horan is on in place of Lavelle.
Immediately after the change, Gauvin towers above everyone in a white shirt from a set piece and guides a header towards goal. Naeher does well to adjust and make the save.
France 0-2 USA (Rapinoe)
65 minutes
She's done it again! Rapinoe gets her fifth of the tournament and puts USA on the verge of the semi-finals. Heath does brilliantly to surge to the byline and pull the ball back across goal. It deflects into the path of an unmarked Rapinoe, who makes no mistake, slotting the ball coolly into the corner.
France 0-2 USA
70 minutes
Gauvin is the target again for France, winning a header in the box which flashes just wide of the far post. A nervy moment for the US, but it wouldn't have counted anyway. She was offside.
France 0-2 USA
75 minutes
The France fans in attendance tonight have been excellent throughout, but there's a feeling of resignation around the Parc des Princes now. The hosts are running out of ideas and looking increasingly desperate.
France 0-2 USA
76 minutes
Tobin Heath thinks she's made it 3-0, converting a Dunn cross and running away to celebrate. But the flag is up and it won't count.
France make a change: Cascarino is on for Valerie Gauvin.
France 0-2 USA
79 minutes
Henry, who hasn't been shy in front of goal tonight, shoots from distance and draws a save from Naeher.
The US goalkeeper is forced into action moments later, too, tipping a looping Le Sommer effort over the bar. Nothing comes from the corner.
GOAL! France 1-2 USA (Renard)
81 minutes
Game on! France aren't out of this yet! O’Hara gives away a free kick wide on the left, which is floated dangerously into the box. No one is picking up Renard, and the towering defender powers a header home.
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