It was billed as 'Le Grand Match' and, in all respects, France vs USA justified the pre-match hype.

From the ferocious pace of the game through the awesome atmosphere to the dazzling quality produced by both sides, everything about it was big. It was fitting, therefore, that Megan Rapinoe - a big-game player if ever there was one - should be the USA star to grab the headlines.

France contributed hugely to making this match the spectacle it was, and Wendie Renard's late header brought an almighty roar - and prompted a thrilling finish. But it will be Rapinoe's face splashed across the front and back pages tomorrow, with her match-winning double having set up another potential thriller against England on Tuesday.

Emmanuelle Hingant [[flag-fra-s]] Les Bleues finally managed to exploit their main weapon - their quality on set pieces - with Renard's goal. But by that point it was too little, too late. As has become the norm at this tournament, Kadidiatou Diani was excellent on the right flank for the hosts. But they were punished further back on the same wing by the Americans - by Rapinoe in particular. The reigning champions played at an incredible pace and, while they fought until the end, Les Bleues were ultimately left behind.

Erin Fish (USA) [[flag-usa-s]] USA made yet another fast start tonight and, despite France's best efforts, Jill Ellis's side never really looked back. The Americans maintained their record of scoring in the first 12 minutes of every one of their matches at France 2019, and Rapinoe's free-kick looked to rock the hosts' confidence for a time. The French did end up giving the Americans a run for their money, especially in the early stages of the second half. But the outcome was ultimately settled when Rapinoe scored her second goal of the match and fifth in four games following great set-up work by Alex Morgan and Tobin Heath. The US stuck to their guns tonight and maintained their tactical game-plan, going at France from the start with a quick, attacking style of play. Expect that same approach when they face up to the English in Lyon.

[[flag-ita-s]] Italy vs The Netherlands [[flag-ned-s]]: Quarter-final, Valenciennes, 29 June, 15:00 [[flag-ger-s]] Germany vs Sweden [[flag-swe-s]]: Quarter-final, Rennes, 29 June, 18:30

Fans interested in attending the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 can still purchase tickets for the tournament via www.fifa.com/tickets, as well as via ticket booths located at stadia for remaining matches still available to the general public.

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