Three of the four teams which featured NC Courage players made it out of their group in the World Cup and into the knockout stage but after the Round of 16 just the four Americans move on to the quarterfinals of the tournament, where they will face hosts France on Friday at the Parc des Princes in Paris.
Sam Mewis, Midfielder, United States
Mewis played a full 90-minute game in both of the US’s wins over Sweden and Spain. The game against Spain was much closer than most expected and the Spanish team played a very physical tough game. Mewis was key for the US advancing the ball through the midfield, given her ability to run with the ball at her feet.
Crystal Dunn, Defender, United States
Dunn has been solid all tournament at left back for a US defense that has conceded just one goal. Apart from her defensive ability Dunn has also been an attacking threat from the wing, putting in the ball that lead to one of forward Megan Rapinoe’s crucial penalty kicks.
Abby Dahlkemper, Defender United States
The center back partnership of Dahlkemper and Becky Sauerbrunn has been fantastic for the US all World Cup conceding just one goal, which was due to an individual error on the part of Sauerbrunn. Dahlkemper has played all but eight minutes of the World Cup so far and has committed just one foul over that time.
Jessica McDonald, Forward United States
Despite her solid second-half performance against Chile, McDonald did not feature in the US’s games against Sweden and Spain.
Debinha, Forward, Brazil
Brazil finished as the third place team in Group C behind Australia and Italy, which set them up with a tough Round of 16 matchup against host France. Overtime was needed to separate the two sides but the hosts ran out 2-1 winners after 120 minutes. Debinha played every minute for Brazil at the tournament and got one assist.
Abby Erceg, Defender, New Zealand
Erceg featured as part of a New Zealand back line that conceded five goals across the three group games, the same number as Cameroon which finished above them in the group on goal difference. The issue for the Football Ferns in France was a lack of offensive power, scoring just one goal in the three games. Erceg played every minute of the World Cup for New Zealand and averaged two blocked shots per game.
Stephanie Labbé, Goalkeeper, Canada
Canada finished as runners up to the Netherlands in Group E with six points. The second place group finish set up the Canadians for a tough Round of 16 matchup against Sweden who finished second in the US’s group. The Canadians lost 1-0 to the Swedes thanks to a 55th minute Stina Blackstenius goal. Labbé played well across the whole tournament conceding just three goals across four games and saving three shots.
