High expectations surround USWNT against France
The United States side is hoping the quarterfinal game against France will be a sellout, and that the majority of the fans at the stadium will be their own.
The US women's national team have reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup for the eight time. And this time round, the last-eight clash is the potential final that many wanted to see -- between the reigning champions and the equally strong host country.
The United States had their work cut out during the round-of-16 game against Spain. The European side gave one of their best showings at a World Cup, holding firm against the tournament favourites, who needed to score from the penalty spot twice to secure the 2-1 victory.
Having seen their way past Spain, the US will now participate in the most hotly anticipated clash of the tournament so far, and US captain, Megan Rapinoe, is hoping the game will live up to the billing.
"Hopefully it'll be a complete spectacle. I hope it's huge and crazy, that's what it should be. This is the best game. This is what everybody wanted," said Rapinoe.
US coach Jill Ellis, meanwhile, expalaind how she gets more excited ahead of big matches like this upcoming fixture against France, as it gives her side a chance to showcase their true power.
"It's going to be an amazing game, probably crazy, obviously, intense, I truly think this is the world game for women," said Ellis. "I'm sure a lot of people wanted it later in the tournament, but it is what it is."