After the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™ Draw was made in Paris, those planning a possible route to the final for the holders and the hosts spotted a potential quarter-final meeting, if both won their group and Round of 16 games. That seemingly inevitable eventuality has come to pass, and we will have a huge showdown in Paris on Friday night between Les Bleues and the Stars and Stripes.

Both sides were made to sweat for their respective quarter-final berths, with the USA overcoming a steely and skilful Spanish side, while the hosts surpassed a Brazil side who took them all the way to extra time. The pair will likely be sweating on Friday evening too, with Paris currently in the midst of a sweltering heatwave. Who will keep their cool in the Parisian pressure cooker?

Emmanuelle Hingant (FRA) This much-anticipated France v USA showdown should fulfil expectations as both teams have won all their games so far in the competition. It's difficult to know who has more pressure. It probably rests on both equally: the Americans are Women's World Cup holders and claim to be able to defend their title. As for the hosts, they said they're aiming for the trophy too, for the first time. Both teams struggled in their last-16 game, maybe because they were already thinking about this quarter-final. In any case, Les Bleues were the only ones that managed to beat the Stars and Stripes in their last 42 games – in a friendly in January earlier this year. One of France's most in-form players now, Kadidiatou Diani, scored a brace that day.

Erin Fish (USA) This is the match that everyone has had circled on their calendars. Two of the top teams in the world, the USA and France will battle it out in the quarter-finals to see who will be continuing on to Lyon. US head coach Jill Ellis referred to this match as what she thought was the "World Game for Women" and most would agree. These two teams have shown their dominance so far in the tournament. With the US looking to defend their title and France being the host country, it should be an interesting dynamic in the crowd. I can't speak for the French, but I know the USA are as excited for this match as they have been all tournament. These are the games and these are the moments of pressure that this team thrives upon, and they're looking forward to getting out there on Friday to take on the hosts. This is one you'll not want to miss.

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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