Olympics: US Women's Soccer advances to semifinals over the Netherlands in penalty kick showdown

Yokohama, Japan – The reigning world champions in the US Women's National Team have made it to the Olympic semifinals after edging past the Netherlands in a penalty kick showdown on Friday morning.

The US Women's national team celebrates their victory over the Netherlands after a penalty kick shoot-out in the quarterfinals of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
The US Women's national team celebrates their victory over the Netherlands after a penalty kick shoot-out in the quarterfinals of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.  © IMAGO / Shutterstock

The journey to the podium came to an end for the Netherlands after a heartbreaking loss to the United States in the women's soccer quarterfinals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

A 2-2 draw at the end of regulation led to two 15-minute periods of extra time, with both teams giving it their all to send the ball to the back of the net and avoid taking things to penalty kicks.

With the score remaining in a draw, the Netherlands and the United States went to a penalty kick showdown, with the Netherlands taking aim first.

Thankfully, the United States has Alyssa Naeher in goal. She blocked the Netherlands' first kick, giving the United States an advantage.

With Rose Lavelle, Christen Press – who had two goals stripped away in the second half for being offside – and Alex Morgan all making their penalty kicks, the fate of the United States was in the trusted hands of Megan Rapinoe.

Graciously as ever, Rapinoe planted one to the back of the net, and just like that, the United States advanced to the semifinals after going 4-2 on penalties.

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The team will be taking on Canada, who defeated Brazil 4-3 on penalty kicks after a 0-0 draw.

The game is set for Monday, August 2, at 4:00 AM EST.

Cover photo: IMAGO / Shutterstock

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