REIMS, France — The U.S. women’s national soccer team Tuesday departed this northeast region known for Champagne after a World Cup performance that was more Pabst Blue Ribbon than sparkling wine.
Known and feared for their effervescent attack, the Americans were forced to sweat Monday in thwarting Spain’s valiant upset bid and securing a quarterfinal place against France on Friday.
The soccer had come easy for the United States in the group stage — a record rout and two comprehensive victories — but the Spanish exam exposed vulnerability and further thickened the plot ahead of the Paris showdown.