Megan Rapinoe celebrating her fifth minute goal for the USA against France (FRANCK FIFE)

Paris (AFP) – Megan Rapinoe got holders the United States off to a perfect start in their women’s World Cup quarter-final showdown with hosts France on Friday, opening the scoring inside five minutes.

Rapinoe’s free-kick from the left-hand side evaded everyone, going through the legs of France skipper Amandine Henry on its way into the net in Paris.

The 33-year-old American team co-captain dominated headlines ahead of the match by saying she would boycott a post-tournament visit to the White House, leading to a war of words with President Donald Trump, who accused Rapinoe of “disrespect”.

Disclaimer: Validity of the above story is for 7 Days from original date of publishing. Source: AFP.