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England v USA: Semi Final - 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France

Source: Zhizhao Wu / Getty

(Gray News) – Alyssa Naeher made the save of her career on a penalty kick in the 84th minute to give the U.S. a 2-1 victory over England and sending them to the World Cup championship game.

The goalie for the U.S. women’s team leapt to her left to stop England’s Stephanie Houghton from scoring off the yellow card called on Becky Sauerbrunn.

The U.S. fullback was called for penalty in the box (on a VAR review) for hitting the leg of Ellen White.

Critics worried Naeher wasn’t up for the job after Hope Solo wasn’t selected for the team. However, that helped the U.S. move on to the finals.

In a match that grew sloppy and choppy in the second half, England gave the Yanks a run for their money.

Millie Bright drew her second yellow card in the 86th minute, giving her a red and sending her off the pitch. England played the last 8 minutes and stoppage time with 10 players.

The U.S. pressed hard in the first half, dominating possession, but England controlling more of the overall tempo in the second.

England time and time again ran circles around the center of the U.S. defense, but couldn’t score. The team eventually fell apart and grew frustrated, playing more physically.

Christen Press, who started in place of Megan Rapinoe, scored on a header in the 10th minute.

 

READ MORE: Cleveland19.com

Article Courtesy of WOIO 19 News Cleveland

First Picture Courtesy of Naomi Baker – FIFA and Getty Images

Second Picture Courtesy of Zhizhao Wu and Getty Images

Video Courtesy of YouTube

U.S. Women’s Soccer Team Defeats England 2-1 to Make It to the Finals  was originally published on wzakcleveland.com