REIMS, France, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Reigning champions United States booked a quarterfinal spot at the FIFA Women's World Cup here on Monday after edging the hard-fighting Spaniards 2-1 on two penalties.
Deemed favorites to lift the trophy in France, the U.S. faced a harsh challenge from Spain, who advanced to the knockouts as the runners-up from Group B.
The Americans didn't find a way to break down the Spaniards' defense until seven minutes into the game, when Megan Rapinoe converted a penalty after Tobin Heath was brought down by Mapi Leon.
Spain, however, responded almost immediately as Jenni Hermoso tied the score on nine minutes, taking advantage of a passing error between American defender Becky Sauerbrunn and keeper Alyssa Naeher.
In the 75th minute, Captain Rapinoe stepped onto the spot again after the Hungarian referee Katalin Kulcsar confirmed Rose Lavelle was fouled inside the box by Virginia Torrecilla and awarded U.S. the penalty.
Spanish goalie Sandra Panos dived to the right direction but Rapinoe's shot was out of her reach.
"That's World Cup-level grit right there. You can't replicate it. You can't teach it. We told each other during the game we needed to go up a level," said Rapinoe, who's elected the Player of the Match.
"They (the matches) only get harder and more intense from here. Everybody's playing for their lives," she added.
With the victory, the U.S. advance to play host France in the quarterfinals on Friday, which is the eighth consecutive time the Americans have reached the World Cup last eight.