PARIS, June 28 (Xinhua) -- The United States head coach Jill Ellis said here on Friday that her team's 2-1 quarterfinal win over World Cup hosts France had been "the most intensive match".
The reigning champions will take on England in Tuesday's semifinals.
"That's a fantastic team that we played tonight. They have super players and coaches," Ellis told a press conference. "That's the most intensive match I've been a part of."
Ellis shed light on how she managed to let her players keep a cool head after registering a great victory and turn attention to the next opponents.
"I reminded them that we just warmed up. We owned the mission, and that was the early message that you've got to leave players that they enjoy the moment tonight as it was a great win for us.
"We'll have a reset tomorrow, take things from that and move forward, We'll have a less day recovering than our opponents, but that's the rhythm for us in this Cup. So be it," she pointed out.
Apart from the United States, the other seven teams in World Cup quarterfinals are all European outfits.
"We are the only non-European team left. We are just excited to be continuing in the tournament. We have a fierce opponent tonight.
"When you look at the top 10 teams in the world, you don't really think about where their home is based. It's more about the style of the team that you are going to play. regardless of who's next, we will be ready for that moment," Ellis noted.
Ellis also gave a high appraisal to forward Megan Rapinoe, who scored a brace in Friday's win.
"She's a big personality both on and off the pitch. She honestly thrives in these moments, and loves to live for these moments. She's a big-time player. The bigger stage it is, the more she is going to respond. She's just fantastic tonight," Ellis said.
Looking to the semifinals, Ellis said, "They've got a lot of talented players. They are a great team front to back, with a lot of experience and really good players. It will be a great matchup."
