United States Women's National Team concedes first goal of Women's World Cup to Spain on devastating howler
The United States Women's National Team conceded their first goal at the Women's World Cup on Monday.
The goal came after a brutal defensive lapse from the American side, and Spanish striker Jenni Hermoso was ready to make them pay for their mistake.
Some blamed the commentary team on the USWNT's concession, as they brought up the team's streak of clean sheets just seconds before giving up the goal.
The United States Women's National Team made it through three games of the group stage without conceding a goal, but during Monday's knockout round matchup against Spain, the American defense finally broke.
The match started as well as the United States could have hoped, with Spain giving up a penalty kick just minutes after the opening whistle. Megan Rapinoe deposited the kick from the spot with ease to give the Americans an early 1-0 lead.
But just as the Americans looked to take control of the game, disaster struck. As goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher lined up what should have been a simple clearance, the Spanish attack continued to press. Naeher pushed a short pass up the middle, which was quickly won by Spanish striker Jenni Hermoso, who confidently popped the ball up and over an out-of-position Naeher to tie the game at 1-1.
Adding insult to injury, the goal came just as the commentary team was speaking on the Americans' streak of clean sheets. "They've not conceded a goal in 639 minutes," the announcer said, just seconds before giving one up.
You can watch the play below (if the first video doesn't work in your location, try the second).
SPAIN ANSWER RIGHT BACK! 😳
Jenni Hermoso makes the U.S. pay for the turnover and it's 1-1 inside 10 minutes. What a start to this one! #FIFAWWCpic.twitter.com/G1zwO1ZLYw— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 24, 2019
On Twitter, some fans were disappointed with the lapse in judgment that led to the goal, while claimed the "commentary curse" was to blame.
I can’t get over what a terrible goal that was for the USWNT to concede. Man. Woof.
— Dañiel Simpson (@DSimpson88) June 24, 2019
The game held at 1-1 through the first half and into the second, with both teams trading chances and the pressure that comes with high expectations slowly building on the United States.
Thankfully, captain Megan Rapinoe would come through to save the day, netting another penalty kick in the 76th minute to give the Americans a 2-1 lead that would prove good enough to see the team through to the quarterfinal.
Same penalty taker, same result! 🇺🇸@mPinoe showing nerves of steel from the penalty spot! 💪 #FIFAWWCpic.twitter.com/2aLSSc0VJy
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 24, 2019
Even with the win, the goal that the Americans conceded should serve as a wake-up call for the American side. While the team was able to coast their way to the knockout round, from now on in the tournament, teams will be ready to make them pay for their mistakes.
The United States will have to regroup quickly, as their quarterfinal match against host-nation France is set for Friday, and will likely prove their toughest test of the tournament thus far.
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