USA vs. FRANCE
BY DAVID HODGES
With one ticket already punched to the semifinals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the USWNT will face the hosts France today at 3 p.m. The Lionesses of England awaits the winner of what is, no doubt, the most anticipated matchup of this World Cup so far, with exception to the final match. The USWNT have not defeated France in the past three years and will have their work cut out for them. Alex Morgan, who has been knocked around in the past few matches, will have to find her form early. Setting the tone of this matchup will be key to both sides. In this bloggers opinion, who ever can find the back of the net first, will cruise to victory.
These two sides last faced each other in January, and saw France come out with an easy 3-1 victory. Though France has not put up the goal numbers that the US has, they are at home and will definitely have the crowd behind them. The US has shown up in big games more than the French have. But with their victory over Brazil in the previous match, the Lady Blues are sure to be riding that adrenaline into this match.
One topic sure to be a sticking point should the US fail to advance, would be the banter between Megan Rapinoe and President Donald Trump. Why something like this would happen before a massive game, to me, is silly. It can only bring distraction into a clubhouse. Something that no manager and fan wants. Let’s hope the USWNT can rise up, defeat the hosts, and lift the hardware for the second World Cup in a row.
My prediction: 3 – 1 to the USA.
