In the opening match of the Women’s World Cup, the United States displayed their dominance with a comfortable 3-0 victory over debutants Vietnam in Auckland. The defending champions proved their mettle and started their pursuit of an unprecedented third consecutive world title in style.
Sophia Smith, one of the young talents in the squad making her World Cup debut, shone brightly, scoring two goals before the break. The first goal came from a well-executed low drilled finish from an angle, putting the number-one ranked team in the world ahead. Her second goal, after a VAR check for offside, further solidified the USA’s lead. Captain Lindsey Horan added to the tally in the 78th minute after a beautiful assist by Smith.
Vietnam’s goalkeeper, Tran Thi Kim Thanh, had a memorable moment when she saved Alex Morgan’s penalty, earning the admiration and celebrations of her teammates. Despite facing a relentless attacking force, Vietnam’s gritty defensive performance kept the scoreline respectable.
The United States, with their eyes set on another triumphant World Cup campaign, started confidently, creating numerous scoring opportunities. Although they didn’t replicate the overwhelming 13-0 victory they achieved in the 2019 tournament, their performance was satisfactory. Head coach Vlatko Andonovski expressed some disappointment that they couldn’t make the most of their 28 attempts on goal.
With this comfortable win, the USA’s focus now shifts to tougher challenges ahead. They remain the favorites, but only time will tell if they can secure a historic third consecutive World Cup title. The upcoming match against the Netherlands, a rematch of the 2019 final, will provide valuable insights into their championship prospects.
As the match unfolded at Eden Park, the stadium was alive with vibrant colors, as fans from both the United States and Vietnam filled the stands. The American supporters, in particular, demonstrated their unwavering passion, chanting “USA, USA, USA” throughout the game. Notably, former US President Barack Obama sent a good luck message to the team, expressing his support.
The Vietnamese expat community also turned up in force, witnessing their nation’s historic moment as it marked the first time Vietnam appeared in a men’s or women’s FIFA World Cup.
Player of the match honors went to Vietnam’s goalkeeper, Tran Thi Kim Thanh, who put on an impressive display despite her team’s defeat.
Overall, the United States made a strong statement in their World Cup opener, but sterner tests await as they pursue their historic third consecutive world crown.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about World Cup opener
Q: What was the final score of the Women’s World Cup opener between USA and Vietnam?
A: The final score was 3-0 in favor of the United States, with USA defeating Vietnam.
Q: Who were the goal scorers for the USA in the match?
A: Sophia Smith scored two goals for the USA, and captain Lindsey Horan scored the third goal.
Q: How many fans attended the match at the stadium?
A: The match was witnessed by a crowd of 41,107 at Eden Park in Auckland.
Q: Did Vietnam’s goalkeeper, Tran Thi Kim Thanh, save a penalty during the match?
A: Yes, Tran Thi Kim Thanh saved Alex Morgan’s penalty during the game, earning praise from her teammates.
Q: How did the USA perform in their World Cup opener compared to their previous tournament’s performance?
A: The USA started their campaign with a comfortable 3-0 victory against Vietnam, a result that was not as lopsided as their 13-0 win in the opening game of the previous World Cup in 2019.
Q: What upcoming match is important for the USA’s World Cup aspirations?
A: The match against the Netherlands in Wellington, a rematch of the 2019 final, will provide valuable insights into the USA’s chances of securing a third consecutive World Cup title.
Q: How did the fans contribute to the lively atmosphere during the match?
A: The fans, particularly those from the United States and Vietnam, filled the stadium with vibrant colors and chants, creating an exciting atmosphere at Eden Park.
Q: Who was named the Player of the Match?
A: Tran Thi Kim Thanh, Vietnam’s goalkeeper, was named the Player of the Match for her impressive performance despite her team’s defeat.
More about World Cup opener
- USA Today – For the latest news and updates on soccer, including the Women’s World Cup.
- FIFA Women’s World Cup – The official website of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, providing tournament schedules, match results, and more.
- ESPN – Comprehensive coverage of soccer news, match highlights, and analysis, including the Women’s World Cup.
- Eden Park – Official website of the stadium where the USA vs. Vietnam match was held, providing venue information and event details.
- BBC Sport – Reliable sports news source, covering the Women’s World Cup and other sporting events worldwide.
