Megan Rapinoe converted the deciding penalty in a shootout and the United States advanced to the semifinals of the women’s Olympic soccer tournament 4-2 following a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands on Friday.
United States goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher stopped Vivianne Meidema’s opening attempt in the shootout. She then saved a shot from Aniek Nouwen before Rapinoe put her penalty away.
One in regulation, two in the shootout ?
Absolutely incredible from @AlyssaNaeher tonight (and most nights, but ESPECIALLY tonight) ??⚽️ pic.twitter.com/2Z3L0saWC4
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) July 30, 2021
The team tweeted a video of Rapinoe converting the winning goal, saying: “WE’RE NOT GOING HOME YET.”
Win or go home AND WE’RE NOT GOING HOME YET ? pic.twitter.com/qdK7Aa7c4s
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) July 30, 2021
After Rapinoe scored, she turned to her teammates, folded her arms, and grinned in triumph.
Miedema scored a pair of goals in regulation time for the Netherlands, giving her 10 goals for the tournament – an Olympic record.
Miedema put the Netherlands ahead in the 18th minute but the Americans equalized when Sam Mewis headed in a goal off a feed from Lynn Williams in the 28th. Williams then gave the Americans the lead in the 31st.
Meidema, who was playing in her 100th game for the Netherlands, made it 2-2 in the 54th.
Naeher saved a late penalty kick by Lieke Martens that could have ended the Americans’ quest for gold.
The United States will next face Canada, which advanced to the semifinals 4-3 on penalties after a scoreless draw with Brazil in Rifu.