- The U.S. Women's National Team will face hosts France in the 2019 Women's World Cup quarterfinal, and it's not just the fans who can't wait for the match.
With a win on Friday, the US would move on to face England in the semifinals on Sunday.
While the U.S.is seeking to become the second nation to win consecutive World Cups (Germany won in 2003 and 2007), France could become the first country to simultaneously hold the Men's and Women's World Cup titles after its men triumphed in Russian Federation a year ago.
Former U.S. women's soccer team goalkeeper Hope Solo has written that her former teammates "got lucky" in Monday's 2-1 victory over Spain in the round of 16 at the Women's World Cup. The team then beat Chile 3-0 and Sweden 2-0 to close out group stage play.
Groundhog Day?: The last time the USWNT faced France in the Women's World Cup was the 2011 semifinals.
And they were in serious trouble in their last match, a tightly won 2-1 victory over Spain after disputed penalties.
"They've got a great trophy cabinet and we still have everything to prove", French captain Amandine Henry said.
Afterward, French coach Corinne Diacre was critical of her team, saying, "We weren't at our best".
The temperature is expected to hit 35 Celsius on Friday, although by the time the match kicks off at 9 p.m. (1900 GMT), it should have dropped to around 28 degrees.
"When you play against the US I will have a lot less work to do in my team talk, there will be no motivation".
The United States comes in as the favorite. "We know who we are and what we can do". Well, the United States is the last team to prevent an all-Europe final or European side from hoisting the cup in July.
Interested in World Cup?
Players said the hard match was crucial to the team's preparation going into the quarterfinal against the fourth-ranked French, the first time the USA has faced the host in a World Cup. The quarterfinal loser may end up considered the second-best team in the world.
"It is massive to come up against the United States, the team with the most success in the women's game".
Rapinoe was caught on video earlier this year using an expletive in explaining that she would not visit the White House if the team wins the World Cup.
Solo has been one of the most vocal critics of the US national team since her departure following the 2016 Rio Olympics.
"I want him to be proud of his mom", McDonald said in her USWNT bio.
