Current:Home > InvestU.S. cruises to 3-0 win over Vietnam in its Women's World Cup opener-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
U.S. cruises to 3-0 win over Vietnam in its Women's World Cup opener
View Date:2024-12-23 14:35:34
Sophia Smith scored twice for the United States in the opening half and the two-time defending champions kicked off the Women's World Cup with a 3-0 victory over tournament first-timers Vietnam on Saturday.
Lindsey Horan added a goal for the favored Americans, who have won four World Cups overall and are vying for an unprecedented three-peat in this year's tournament.
Vietnam drew comparisons to Thailand, the team the Americans routed 3-0 in in their 2019 World Cup opening game. But Vietnam was surprisingly resilient, kept the game closer than expected, and goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh stopped Alex Morgan's first-half penalty attempt.
Morgan was knocked to the field clutching her calf after trying for the rebound off her missed penalty, but she quickly returned. It was just her second penalty miss for the United States.
Smith, one of 14 Americans playing in their first-ever World Cup, showed why she was named both U.S. Soccer's Player of the Year and the National Women's Soccer League MVP last year with her two first-half goals.
Smith scored off a pass from captain Lindsey Horan in the 14th minute. Smith and Horan celebrated with a choreographed handshake after the goal. She scored again in first-half stoppage time to make it 2-0 going into the break. The United States was at first flagged as offside before a video review confirmed the goal.
The U.S. team was infused with young talent including Smith and Trinity Rodman after settling for a disappointing bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Among the veterans, 38-year-old Megan Rapinoe made her 200th international appearance against Vietnam.
Rapinoe, who scored in the World Cup final in France and was named that tournament's best player, did not start. She announced before the team left for New Zealand that this would be her last World Cup and she would retire from her professional team at the end of the season.
Rapinoe and midfielder Rose Lavelle, who were both limited by injuries in the run-up to the tournament, both came in as substitutes in the 63rd minute. Rapinoe sported bright blue hair.
The youngest player on the team, 18-year-old Alyssa Thompson, was also a second-half sub.
Horan scored into a wide-open net off a pass from Smith, who was rushed by the goalkeeper and deftly sent the ball back to her. Horan, who was recently engaged, kissed her ring in celebration.
There was early drama when Rodman, the daughter of former NBA great Dennis Rodman and one of the young newcomers on the team, appeared injured after falling hard on her back when she was tackled by defender Tran Thi Thu. Rapinoe warmed up on the sidelines and a stretcher was brought out on the filed, but Rodman stood and returned to the match a few moments later.
Saturday's game was the first meeting between the United States and Vietnam. The Vietnamese lost two exhibition matches ahead of the tournament and fell 9-0 to Spain in a closed-door tune-up match in Auckland last Friday.
Also in Group E are the Netherlands and Portugal, which meet Sunday in Dunedin. Portugal is also making its first World Cup appearance.
The group plays all of their matches in New Zealand, which is co-hosting the tournament with Australia. The United States plays the Netherlands in a 2019 final rematch on Thursday in Wellington.
Should the United States top the group, the team will head to Sydney for the round of 16.
Back home in the United States, a sign was erected on the North Lawn of the White House that said "Go Team USA! We are all behind you."
- In:
- New Zealand
- U.S. Women's Soccer Team
- World Cup
- Soccer
veryGood! (85644)
Related
- The Surreal Life’s Kim Zolciak Fuels Dating Rumors With Costar Chet Hanks After Kroy Biermann Split
- ‘Of all the places': Deep red Butler, Pennsylvania, grapples with Trump assassination attempt
- Fisherman breaks NY state record for species considered living dinosaur
- Dick Vitale details road ahead, prepares to battle cancer for fourth time
- Eva Longoria calls US 'dystopian' under Trump, has moved with husband and son
- Pro Football Hall of Famer Terrell Davis on being handcuffed and removed from a United flight: I felt powerless
- Halsey and Victorious Actor Avan Jogia Spark Engagement Rumors
- How NBC's Mike Tirico prepares for Paris Olympics broadcasts and what his schedule is like
- Jon Gruden joins Barstool Sports three years after email scandal with NFL
- A woman who awoke from a coma to tell police her brother attacked her dies 2 years later
Ranking
- Kennesaw State football coach Brian Bohannon steps down after 10 seasons amid first year in FBS
- Shannen Doherty's doctor reveals last conversation with 'Charmed' star
- Dick Van Dyke Addresses 46-Year Age Gap With Wife Arlene Silver
- Barstool Sports Founder Dave Portnoy Rescued at Sea After Losing Control of His Boat
- Inflation ticked up in October, CPI report shows. What happens next with interest rates?
- Whoopi Goldberg Shares Cheeky Story Behind Her Stage Name
- Nearly two-thirds of Democrats want Biden to withdraw, new AP-NORC poll finds
- Six nights in 1984 at Pauley Pavilion where US gymnasts won crowds of fans and Olympic glory
Recommendation
-
Steelers shoot for the moon ball, but will offense hold up or wilt in brutal final stretch?
-
'Top Chef Masters' star Naomi Pomeroy dies at 49 in tubing accident
-
Lawsuit claims that delayed elections for Georgia utility regulator are unconstitutional
-
LAFC vs. RSL, possible league history highlight MLS slate on 'deadest day in sports'
-
Early Black Friday Deals: 70% Off Apple, Dyson, Tarte, Barefoot Dreams, Le Creuset & More + Free Shipping
-
Peter Navarro, ex-Trump trade adviser, released from prison
-
Lawsuit claims that delayed elections for Georgia utility regulator are unconstitutional
-
The Surprising Comments Christina Hall Made About Her Marriage to Josh Hall Just Days Before Breakup