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U.S VS FRANCE

The next game was against France. As results had went against them, the 4x Word Champions could be eliminated should they lose again. The "Champions Curse" was very well known in Men's Football but it was non-existent in terms of Women Word Cup Winners. That didn't cease Karima's constant worries. It's not like they had an assuring opponent. France were the reigning European Champions and ranked no.2 only behind the USWNT ironically.
The preparation was gruelling. Everyone knew what was at stake. They couldn't let their loyal fans down and the haters win.
The changing room was a bit more relaxed though. Crystal and Emily played music to chill everyone out. Karima was a bit disappointed though to see she had been dropped. Alex noticed and sat next to her.
"What up?" She asked in the most causal voice possible.
Karima felt embarrassed as she wasn't the only one to be taken out. Andonovski had heavily rotated. Shaking her head she admitted "I still feel bad."
Alex frowned. "What for? You were one of our best players against the Matildas." A bit sick of hearing that Karima shot back "Why was I benched then?". She heard a sigh and felt a hand on her shoulder. "While you're an Olympic Champion, you don't know everything just yet. The experience isn't quite there." Karima was worried. "When will I have it?" This one question she was desperate for an answer for. Smiling, Alex told her "I don't think I really was experienced until 2015 when we were in Canada." The striker then looked at the no.10 shirt that was now occupied by Ashley Sanchez. "You see in Carli's mind, she didn't think she was ever experienced. Maybe after Tokyo? That's why she retired."

Dawn began to tell everyone to get to the line or bench and both players got up. "You've got this, I trust you." Alex whispered.

Karima was so tense. Occasionally, she'd talk to Julie or Sam who was also dropped but she still couldn't get her mind off her selection. Looking to her loved ones, Karima would feel bad. How would Uncle Mahri and her mum feel? She doubted they even knew she was in a relationship with Emily.

The game wasn't too bad for either side. They went into the break deadlocked which was better than the 2-0 deficit the team failed to overcome against the Matildas . Vlatko unsurprisingly, was terrified. Australia was 3-1 up against China and as things stood, the USWNT were on the brink of an embarrassing exit.
So the team went back in, desperate to win. As soon as the whistle blew for the game to resume, Andonovski turned to the bench and told Karima "You're getting subbed in at the 65th minute". She knew how nervous her coach was. Leaving at the group stage...well if Jill's job was never the same after the quarter final exit in 2016, Vlatko stood no chance of retaining his position.
Unfortunately though, the game was still poised at 0-0. So as Vlatko said, in the 65th minute, Karima was on for Lindsey Horan. Sure it seemed defensive but the French were scary on the counter and they appeared more likely to score.
Things didn't immediately change. Amandine Henry hit the crossbar as soon as Karima came on and Eugénie Le Sommer had a goal (fairly) disallowed.
Ten minutes after coming on, Karima was involved in a counter attack. Dispossessing Gaëtane Thiney , she linked up with Tobin who then squared to Alex who forced an excellent save from Sarah Bouhaddi . However Tobin quickly took a quick corner. It caught out the French defence and fell to Karima.
Then things went slowly as the defensive midfielder stuck a foot out and arrowed the ball towards goal. To her surprise, the ball spun wildly into the bottom net. It didn't sink into Karima that she had scored her first ever goal until her fellow teammates jumped onto her back.
Joking to Becky she said "At least I didn't take as long as you!" which earned her a clip around the ear from the vice captain.
No one was mad at her in the end though as Karima's goal turned out to be crucial and secure a 1-0 win.
Afterwards, Karima was escorted to the press conference room to answer questions. The first was "Congratulations Mendoza. I just want to ask how you felt the team played before you were introduced." Karima smiled. "Thanks." Then her expression became serious. "The team, for me, was playing well. Maybe overall in the first half, it was just about keeping composure. In the second half, I think we were excellent."
The next question was asked. "How do you guys feel about your position in the group?" Karima winced much to the reporters brief amusement. "Obviously the first result wasn't what anyone wants and especially as the reigning World Champions everyone wants to beat you. Australia did really well credit to them of course. As for our place in the group...we know we're not safe but we're very optimistic. There's no need to give up."
The third question was quickly followed up. "Congratulations about your goal. How do feel about scoring your debut goal in a World Cup with it being a winner?"
Karima gave a massive grin. "Once again thanks! I never thought I'd ever score to be honest! Yeah it's just surreal. Being in a World Cup itself is a massive honour and scoring...I just have to thank everyone that has supported me."
The last question took Karima back. "Do you think you've redeemed yourself? After the penalty against Australia, do you think you've made up with the goal today?"
Hearing the murmurs around the room, Karima thought it was quite a good question. It was certainly one she had been thinking about the answer to. "I hope so." Realising she had to explain, Karima continued "I have to leave that up to everyone else. The game against Australia...wasn't great for any of us. However I need to learn and move on. It's my first World Cup so I shouldn't go too hard on myself."
This reply got applause much to Karima's pleasant surprise. She then thanked everyone before leaving where she got to the changing room.
"Damn Doz!" Kelley exclaimed once Karima entered the changing room. "You speak more maturely than me!"
Karima winked before delivering a savage response. "For you Kelley, that's not very hard."