After a dominating sweep in the group stage of the World Cup, the United States will open up the round of 16 at noon Monday in Reims, France, against Spain.
The Americans concluded the group stage Thursday with a 2-0 victory over Sweden, completing a run that saw them set records for the most goals with 18 and largest goal differential, shutting out all three opponents for the first time.
“I think this is the best team we’ve had,” defender Ali Krieger told reporters in France. “We’re so confident right now. We’re so motivated to want to win and succeed.”
But now in the knockout round, the stakes have changed and the United States’ dream of becoming back-to-back World Cup champion can end in a flash.
In just its second World Cup, Spain dominated South Africa 3-1 before dropping a 1-0 matchup with Germany. Spain battled to a 0-0 draw with China in its Group B finale to finish second in a very competitive group. Spain hasn’t played in a week, while the Americans finished group play Thursday.
Alex Morgan’s five goals — all scored in the 13-0 rout of Thailand — are tied for a tournament best, along with the three assists she added in the 135 minutes she played through two matches. But against Sweden, Morgan was the recipient of a hard foul in the first half and was replaced at the start of the second by Carli Lloyd.
Julie Ertz was also on injury watch after missing the game against Sweden with a hip contusion she suffered against Chile. USA head coach Jill Ellis says that both are “fine” heading into Monday’s contest.
Spain and the U.S. squared off for the first time in January in Alicante, Spain, with the Americans pulling out a 1-0 win in a friendly. The game was scoreless through halftime until Christen Press secured the win with an individual effort in the 54th minute.
Ellis said she believed that friendly was critical to the Americans’ preparation, but both teams have since evolved.
“I actually pushed for that game because I think it was important for us. You have to take the approach that if it’s a method where you’re learning, you’re growing and you’re getting better, you can’t worry about what your opponent takes away from a game,” she said.
Although it’s a young team, Spain has experience. The average age on Spain’s roster is roughly 25, compared to the USA’s 29. Seven players have 49 or more caps for Spain, compared to the U.S., who have 11 players with that much experience.
One of the most experienced players on Spain’s roster, Jenni Hermoso, is the country’s top scorer with 30 career goals and nine assists in 71 caps. The star striker can be dangerous when given the room.
Goalkeeper Sandra Panos has appeared in net for all three of Spain’s matches in the tournament. In 32 caps, the 32-year-old has 15 shutouts.
Ellis will coach her 124th game Monday, tying April Heinrichs for the most games coached in U.S. history. The Americans have never lost in seven quarterfinal-stage appearances of the World Cup and Ellis will look to keep that streak alive.
The winner will face host France, which beat Brazil 2-1 in extra time on Sunday, in a Friday night quarterfinal at Parc des Princes in Paris.
