In what was easily the most captivating match of the 2019 Women's World Cup thus far, the United States defeated host France 2-1 on Friday at the Parc des Princes to book a spot in the last four.
Megan Rapinoe scored twice to give her a joint-best five tournament goals, becoming the first player to register two or more goals in consecutive World Cup matches since Brazilian legend Marta performed the feat in 2007.
Towering center-half Wendie Renard scored her fourth goal at the World Cup to make it 2-1 just 10 minutes from time, heading Gaetane Thiney's pinpoint free-kick delivery beyond Alyssa Naeher.
It was a match played at a breakneck pace.
Rapinoe's free-kick from a tight angle just outside the area bounced through a jumble of bodies and beyond a helpless Sarah Bouhaddi in the fifth minute. It was just the second goal at this World Cup to come directly off a free-kick, with Brazilian forward Cristiane notching the other.
Since her World Cup debut in 2011, no player has been directly involved in more goals in the competition than Rapinoe (eight goals, six assists).
Les Bleues controlled the tempo of the match but had trouble providing service in dangerous areas as Corinne Diacre's charges failed to register a shot on target in the opening half.
The U.S. started the second stanza in spirited form and was unlucky not to double its advantage when Alex Morgan's close-range effort was blocked by Amandine Henry.
Despite controlling the brunt of possession and largely dictating a frenetic tempo, France was poor in the final third. The hosts didn't register their first shot on target until shortly after the hour mark when Valerie Gauvin fired a speculative effort on goal.
Les Bleues were denied a late penalty when Amel Majri's delivery struck Kelley O'Hara on the arm. The referee did not attempt to consult VAR.
France has now exited in the quarterfinal stage in six of its last seven major tournaments and five times in a row.
Jill Ellis' charges will face England in Lyon on July 2. The Americans have never finished worse than third in any of their seven previous World Cup tries.