The United States women got off to a horrible start in the first 15 minutes of their Olympic opener against France, but fought back to level the match. Both teams will have plenty of adjustments to make in the locker room after a wild half that ended 2-2.
USA Vs. France, 2012 Olympics: Halftime Score, Wild Match Locked Up At 2-2
Gaetane Thiney got Les Bleues off to a terrific start with a 12th minute stunner. The United States was well on top in the opening 10 minutes of the match, but the game was turned on its head by Thiney’s fantastic goal. She unleashed a rocket from 25 yards out and Hope Solo didn’t explode upwards like she usually does. The U.S. goalkeeper got a hand to the ball, but couldn’t keep it out of the back of the net.
Just two minutes later, Marie-Laure Delie doubled France’s lead. Following a corner kick, France attempted multiple shots that were blocked, while the United States had multiple blocked clearances during a mad scramble. The ball eventually fell to Delie, who hit a composed finish into the back of the net from 10 yards out, giving her team a 2-0 lead.
Things got worse for the USWNT immediately, with Shannon Boxx picking up an injury in the 17th minute. Carli Lloyd, a less defensive-minded player, replaced her in the midfield.
It appeared that the United States were in free fall mode until they were rescued by Abby Wambach, just one minute after Boxx was forced out of the game. Megan Rapinoe set up her goal with a great corner kick to the back post, and Wambach rose up above the entire France defense to head it into the back of the net.
Wambach played a part in the United States’ equalizer as well, setting up Alex Morgan for the goal in the 31st minute. The two combined for a perfect example of a classic target forward-quick forward goal, with Wambach winning a header to flick the ball forward for Morgan. She timed her run perfectly, beat her defender for pace and hit a great volley into the back of the net to level the match.
Matt Ufford breaks down the USWNT win, and looks ahead the Americans next two group play matches:
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