Women's World Cup: USA vs France Preview

           Wednesday Noon EST ESPN USA vs France

With a emotionally charged victory over Brazil in the quarterfinals on Sunday, the USA Women's World Cup team looks to recharge tomorrow when they face France in the Semi-Finals. Here's some important points to know before tomorrow's game:  

• This is the first time America has faced France in the World Cup.  France made it into the Semi-Finals after a stunning win over England via penalty kicks.  This is only their second World Cup, with their other appearance in 2003, when they were unable to make it out of the group round.  

• The United States has only played France four times since 2000 (only 12 times overall), with the last two matches both being in 2006 where there was a 0-0 tie and a 4-1 win by the U.S. The French team is ranked #8 overall in the World. 

• There will be a new starter for the American squad, after Rachel Buehler was red-carded in Sunday's game and is therefore suspended for the Semi-Finals.  Taking her place is Becky Sauerbrunn, who has yet to play a minute in this World Cup.  

• Hope Solo will receive her 100th cap when she starts the game against France.

• In 475 games in the history of the U.S. Women's team, there have been only eight red cards total. That's one red card every 60 games. 

• In the 2008 Olympics, the Women's team played overtime (total of 120 minutes) in a 2-1 victory over Canada and came back to defeat Japan 4-2 three days later.

Let's Go USA!!

Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez / AP