📝 Rapinoe's penalty brace sees off spirited Spain in WWC | OneFootball

It took two ice cool Megan Rapinoe penalties and a little help from VAR to fire the USA past Spain and into the Women’s World Cup quarter-final.

The opening 10 minutes brought plenty of drama, with both sides scoring thanks to mistakes at the back.

A poorly-timed Mapi León challenge allowed Megan Rapinoe to put the favourites in front from the spot but Spain responded instantly.

Becky Sauerbrunn was caught in possession on the edge of her area, gifting the ball to Jenni Hermoso and she planted a perfect effort into the postage stamp.

That was the first goal the USA had conceded of the tournament but they steadied the ship after that against a resilient and impressive Spanish side.

Following the break, Rose Lavelle fired narrowly over the top as the game became ever more physical, although that wasn’t the reason for the award of the USWNT’s second penalty.

The decision appeared very soft and harsh on Spain but despite the referee consulting with VAR, she deemed that Lavelle had been clipped by Virginia Torrecilla in the area.

Rapinoe dispatched her kick ruthlessly and send her side through in a game that was much closer than many had expected.

USA’s reward is a clash with hosts France in Paris on 28 June.

Player of the match: Megan Rapinoe (USA)