After all, the game is closer than I figured. USA press like hell, but Spain have their moments. And after all, both goal came from defensive blunders (Leon's foul leading to the PK was quite naive).
27' 0-0 Dunn sends a hot backpass to Naeher at 6-right foot, L.García veers like Kerr to harass. Naeher kicks to clear, off L.García, off Naeher, rattles out toward box right low. Naeher follows and taps to Dunn, Dunn gets closed down from behind and takes a bump in the legs, loses ball into near touch. Spain throw-in 28' 0-0 Spain longball for L.García to box top 6-right, Naeher steps out past box top and heads ball away to the left.
For me, this game represents Europe vs the world. At play, there is a sharply distinct philosophy on player development. The American model of student-athletes and the European model of Clubs/Academies professional system. I think Europe can dominate the sport going forward. US is unfortunate to be basically alone in their conference while European teams, club and nation, can develop by competing with each other in a professional environment. I prefer the European model. So, Vamos España!
30' 0-0 L.García(?) long cross from 25m wide right to 7m 1/3 left for Hermoso, Naeher catches high and hangs on. 31' 0-0 Morgan is kneeling at circle center. 1h hydration break? (official or de facto ) It was 90°F just 1 hour before kick-off, it's still 30°C = 86°F now. 32' 0-0 Spain subs in (1 of 3) #22 Nahikari García for #6 Vicky Losada (swollen eye). 33' 0-0 USA resume without Morgan; she returns.
35' 1-1 Rapinoe shoots from arc top left post, wide left low. 36' 1-1 Mewis dribbles to 25m center, shoots left foot on the run, wide left low. 37' 1-1 Hermoso turns at circle top mid-right, loses it. Rapinoe taps square right to Mewis, starts her own run upfield, Mewis passes ahead of Rapinoe past circle top box right, 1-v-1 on Corredera. Rapinoe pulls up, Corredera overshoots past her, Rapinoe windmills arms to cut inside, right finger rakes Corredera's face. Corredera goes down, Rapinoe goes centerward -- foul, yellow card on Rapinoe. Yellow card? 🧐 Megan Rapinoe gets booked for making slight contact with Marta Corredera's face. #FIFAWWCThe two have a fun little exchange in the end 😅 pic.twitter.com/0UCzrYUwF2— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 24, 2019 38' 1-1 Hermoso slips a diagonal pass through 10m box right for L.García to 4m mid-right. Ground pass to 6-top 1/5 right with 2 in the center, Dahlkemper slide-kicks away to Dunn. Spain chip long up centerline for Nahikari, too far, Naeher catches the bounce.
40' 1-1 Spain cross from 7m wide right to 6-top right post, Nahikari(?) just misses a header. Ball continues into far touch. 41' 1-1 Spain long serve from ~25m wide left to 6-top 1/3 left, Nahikari jumps 1-v-2, Sauerbrunn(?) heads it away and Dunn collects. USA longball to box top arc left, too far for Morgan and she's offside anyways. 43' 1-1 Corredera boxes out Mewis at own right corner flag, Mewis rounds her on the outside, stops ball on endline wide left. Torrecilla blocks cross with right foot extended, goes down injured at box left low. The ball bent her ankle? 44' 1-1 Rapinoe left ck, to 4m 1/5 right, Paños slaps it away. +3'.
It doesn't seem to me like Lavelle is having the best game: how many unforced mistakes from her so far?