One of the FIFA Womens World Cup favourites this year is clearly the USA, who romped their group without conceding a goal and now faced a Spain side who secured qualification in their final game. USA were expected to win, and by some margin up against a young and inexperienced Spain side, but the underdogs put up a fight.
In the end, it was two penalties which decided this game, costing Spain dearly. Megan Rapinoe converted twice, once after just seven minutes, only for Jenni Hermoso to equalise only a minute later, and then to decide the tie with 15 minutes left on the clock. USA were held back by Spains game plan, preventing them from looking their free-flowing best, but secured passage to the quarter-finals.
This tactical analysis of the FIFA Womens World Cup encounter uses analysis to identify how USA overcame their European rivals to secure a tie against France on Friday evening.
Line-Ups
Having tried three different formations in three games, Spain were always capable of springing a surprise. What was perhaps the most shocking was that they looked to match the USA, changing from a more defensive 4-2-3-1 to a more offensive 4-3-3 with Jennifer Hermoso returned to the front line of the attack.
For the USA, the shape was as expected. The only real twist was to see Becky Sauerbrunn selected in defence to continue her role as first choice, with Julie Ertz recalled and moved into to midfield to replace Lindsey Horan.
![Arsenal Vs Crystal Palace [1–1] (8 vs 7 P) – EFL Cup 2025/2026: Failure Of Attacking Transitions – Tactical Analysis](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Arsenal-Vs-Crystal-Palace-tactical-analysis--350x250.png "Arsenal Vs Crystal Palace [1–1 (8-7)] – EFL Cup Quarter-Final 2025/2026 – Tactical Analysis 7")
