It was nearly a dream start for Spain! The ball drops to Patri Guijarro, she shoots powerfully from the edge of the box and her shot looks goalbound but Becky Sauerbrunn manages to block it with her head.
Almost straight down the other end The United States’ Tobin Heath receives the ball high on the right wing, she cuts inside into the box and touches it past Mapi Leon but the Spanish defender takes Heath’s trailing leg, there is no need for VAR that is a clear penalty. Megan Rapinoe steps up and sends the ball to the goal’s left-hand side and the keeper the other way.
Many might have thought that goal would mean that this is game over and the US will go onto kill the game off but many would be wrong! Jenni Hermoso gives Spain an equaliser as she chips over Alyssa Naeher after Becky Sauerbrunn was dispossessed. This is the first goal that the US have conceded in the competition so far.
The United States recovered well and had much of the possession in the Spain half. Rose Lavelle dissects the Spanish defence with a beautiful ball. Megan Rapinoe picks up the ball but is unable to finish from what is a tight angle. Spain’s keeper, Sandra Panos, is able to palms the ball out for a corner.
Another chance went begging for the United States as Heath again torments Leon in the left back role. Heath’s ball in is scrambled away by the Spain defence. This is the last big chance for a while as it is Spain that control of the game, although they are unable to create a clear chance.
Sadly Vicky Losada is forced to come off for Nahikari Garcia. Losada took an arm to the face and has struggled to recover. Clearly the right thing to do with any head injury.
After the initial excitement of two goals in the first ten minutes, both sides regained a bit of composure. A tie (one for the US fans there) at half time was a fair result. This game could go either way, it’s about concentration and composure in the second half.