World Cup Soccer: Defending champions USA start with a win

Sophia Smith took the lead in the 14th minute at Auckland’s Eden Park. The 22-year-old attacker also scored in the first half (45./+7) to make it 2-0 in extra time. Captain Lindsay Horan scored the final score in the 77th minute after Smith’s template. It was the USA’s twelfth World Cup victory.

The US could have won more, but Alex Morgan missed a penalty (43rd) and Ross Lavelle was the only one to hit the post. The Vietnamese faced more opposition in their World Cup premiere than Thailand four years ago when they had to concede a 0:13 defeat to the United States in the first game. Goalkeeper The Kim not only saved the Tran penalty, but also did well in other saves.

Smith sealed the match

Smith stood out among the winners, one of 14 players in the squad to make their World Cup debut. With her two goals, she secured the award for American Player of the Year and American League Most Valuable Player. “I love playing with Lindsey (Horan; Ed.). She’s a great player and has such a good eye, she understands my game and my runs before I even start,” Smith said after the game.

Megan Rapinoe was absent from the start, with the 38-year-old making only her 200th international appearance in the second half. Before the competition started, he announced that he would end his career this year.

The coach was not satisfied with just the number of goals

American team captain Vladko Antonovski paid tribute to his opponents but will be hoping for a clear victory from his team. “I wouldn’t say I expected more goals. But the way we played and the chances we had, I would have liked to see more goals. I think we deserve more goals,” the coach said.

But he was satisfied with the new set-up – the first time America had played in this line-up. “I expected it and I am happy with the way they played. You met my expectations. They will be brave and take the pressure off in the second game.

The Americans could become the first team to win a third consecutive world title for both the men’s and women’s teams. They face the Netherlands in the second match of Group E on Thursday, setting the stage for a repeat of the 2019 World Cup finals. Vietnam also face Portugal on Thursday. Netherlands and Portugal face off in the World Cup on Sunday.

Football World Cup, Group E

Saturday:

USA 3-0 Vietnam (2-0)

Auckland, Eden Park, 41.107, SR Carbuby (MAR)

Target order:
1-0 Smith (14′)
2-0 Smith (45+7)
3-0 Horan (77′)

USA: Closer – Kirma, Ertz, Dunn (84/O’Hara), Fox (84/Huerta) – DiMelo (61/Lavel), Horan, Sullivan – S. Smith, A. Morgan (61/Rabineau), Rodman (76/Thompson)

Vietnam: TKT Tran – Luong (61/Chuong), TT Tran, Hoang, Lee, TTT Tran – TDT Nguyen (46/Ngan), THL Tran (89/Duong), Thai, TBT Nguyen (61/TMA Nguyen) – Huynh (76/Pham)

Yellow cards: Horan and Huynh

Notable events: DKT Tran (Vietnam) a. Penalty kick saved by Morgan (USA) (43′).