Megan Rapinoe appears to be relishing the prospect of the two Women's World Cup favourites going up against each other as her USA side booked a place in the last-16 to face France.
USA overcame a stubborn Spain side on Monday while the tournament hosts France beat Brazil 2-1 in extra-time on Sunday to set up the most high-profile tie of the World Cup yet.
The quarter-final will take place in front of a sell out crowd at Parc de Princes on Friday, and Rapinoe said she hopes the match receives the attention it deserves.
“Hopefully [it’s] a complete spectacle, just an absolute media circus,” she said.
“I hope it’s huge and crazy, that’s what it should be.
“I hope it’s just a total s**tshow circus. It’s going to be totally awesome.
“I think this is what everybody wants, these are the biggest games that you dream about as a kid.”
USA, who have won the competition three times, more than any other nation, will be the slight favourites going into the game, but France have won all four of their matches so far and will be roared on by a partisan home crowd.
USA manager Jill Ellis also expressed her excitement about the match, although admitted it may be disappointing for some that the game couldn't have come later on in the tournament.
“I’m sure a lot of people would want it later in the tournament but it is what it is,” Ellis said.
“I think probably myself and [France manager] Corinne [Diacre] are like, ‘You know what, we’ve got good players, we’ve got good teams, good setups and let’s go for it.’”
"When you play in big games it’s actually when I get more excited. It means more, it matters more, there’s more at stake and that’s why you do this.”
The winners of France and USA will take on either Norway or England in the semi-final, who play their quarter-final tie on Thursday.
