USWNT star forward Alex Morgan was thrilled with the U.S. women's national team's 2-1 win over France in the quarterfinals Friday to advance to the semifinals of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.
"It did live up to expectations. I'm happy to say that," Morgan told Fox Sports after the game. "We lived through a couple of storms during the match. I think we finished things off really well at the end. We did well. We knew there would be tough times and adversity, but we faced it straight on and we’re moving on. We’re so happy about it.”
There was a brief scare for the U.S. as France scored in the 81st minute, but the Americans were able to hold off France with a strong defense.
"This team just showed so much grit and so much heart and we weathered a couple storms during the match and obviously having them score goal a late, we had to finish the game strong," Morgan said. "I think we wound down the clock really well at the end."
Morgan also gave credit to Megan Rapinoe, who scored the United States' two goals, as she said her teammate was "on fire." Rapinoe's two goals Friday see her join Morgan, Kristine Lilly and Mia Hamm in fourth place on the USA's all-time Women's World Cup goalscoring list.
What's more is Rapinoe became the first player to score four straight goals for the U.S. at a Women's World Cup. She's also the first player to score two or more goals in back-to-back knockout stage games in tournament history.
The United States will now face England on Tuesday (3 p.m. ET) in the semifinals.
