Megan Rapinoe's 2 penalties carry U.S. past Spain to Women's World Cup quarterfinals

The U.S. women's national soccer team faced a challenge from Spain in the first round of the knockout stages of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup on Monday. But they held on for a 2-1 victory to advance to the quarterfinals.

Megan Rapinoe played the role of hero for the U.S., finding the back of the net on two penalties — the first in the seventh minute, the second, which proved to be the game-winner, in the 76th. The second penalty was not without controversy when a long VAR delay took hold of their game to confirm the call via video replay. But the pause didn't throw Rapinoe off, as she calmly edged the ball past the outstretched hand of Spanish goalkeeper Sandra Paños. Watch the clincher below.

2️⃣ PKs, 2️⃣ Goals for @mPinoe‼️ pic.twitter.com/fcQUQl9SRz

— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) June 24, 2019

Spain provided the U.S. with their toughest competition of the tournament so far. Before Monday's contest, the U.S. had not allowed a goal. Spain's Jennifer Hermoso scored in the 9th to minute knot the game, 1-1, where it remained until Rapinoe's second penalty. But the Spanish side couldn't convert again.

The U.S. on Friday will play France, the tournament hosts, who are widely considered the top U.S. challenger for the title. France is fresh off a similarly tough game, in which they squeaked past Brazil, 2-1.