Diligent Dunn 'stepped up big time' to help USWNT into World Cup semi-final

The makeshift defender produced an impressive display against France star Kadidiatou Diani

Crystal Dunn saved her best performance in her adopted position for the biggest stage as the U.S. women's national team booked their place in the Women's World Cup semi-final at the expense of France.

Going into Friday night’s World Cup quarter-final, it was clear that Les Bleues would target Dunn on the left side of the American defense.

Dunn has played primarily as an attacking midfielder during her career, and still does so at the club level. Meanwhile, France’s Kadidiatou Diani had been her side’s most dangerous attacking option all tournament from the right flank. France’s plan was clear from the…