The USWNT got off to a winning start as they chase an unprecedented third straight World Cup title, beating 32nd-ranked Vietnam 3-0 in Auckland, New Zealand, on Friday.
Rising star Sophia Smith staked the Americans to a 2-0 lead with a brace before halftime, marking the special occasion as one of six starters making a World Cup debut on the day. Captain Lindsey Horan added the third goal late in the second half, as the no. 1-ranked, two-time defending world champions held Vietnam to zero shots in the game. The Yanks, on the other hand, attempted 28 (7 on target).
This World Cup could well be the Sophia Smith show
Smith opened the scoring with a slick finish (set up by a brilliant Alex Morgan backheel) in the 14th minute before doubling the lead late in first-half stoppage time.
Horan hammered home the clincher (assisted by Smith) in the 77th minute, better reflecting the USWNT’s total dominance from minute 1 to 90.
USWNT vs Vietnam, final score: 3-0
Goalscorers: Sophia Smith (13', 45'+7), Lindsey Horan (77')
USWNT schedule - 2023 Women’s World Cup group stage
W 3-0 vs Vietnam -- July 22, 9 pm ET -- Eden Park, Auckland
vs Netherlands -- July 27, 9 pm ET -- Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
vs Portugal -- Aug. 1, 7pm ET -- Eden Park, Auckland
⚽️ ¡¡YA ES GOLEADA DEL ‘TEAM USA’!!! 🚨
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 22, 2023
👏 @LindseyHoran se une a la fiesta y marca el tercero en el encuentro. #USA 3-0 #VIE
📺 @Telemundo y @peacock ➡️ https://t.co/bxb1GqPC62#MundialTelemundo #LaCopaEsNuestra #FIFAWWC @USWNT pic.twitter.com/YugVkKBcwA
⚽️⚽️ ¡DOBLETE PARA SMITH!
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 22, 2023
🔥 @sophsssmith está ON FIRE y marca su doblete en el encuentro 😎#USA 2-0 #VIE
📺 @Telemundo y @peacock ➡️ https://t.co/bxb1GqPC62#MundialTelemundo #LaCopaEsNuestra #FIFAWWC @USWNT pic.twitter.com/lWGSUyNdq9
🚨 ¡ALEX MORGAN FALLA EL PENAL!
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 22, 2023
❌ @alexmorgan13 no pudo convertir el penal, la portera de Vietnam lo ataja. #USA 1-0 #VIE
📺 @Telemundo y @peacock ➡️ https://t.co/bxb1GqPC62#MundialTelemundo #LaCopaEsNuestra #FIFAWWC @USWNT pic.twitter.com/FVMSEPSB1h
¡HAY PENAL PARA USWNT! 🚨
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 22, 2023
Falta dentro del área y las estadounidenses con la oportunidad de marcar otro gol. #USA 1-0 #VIE
📺 @Telemundo y @peacock ➡️ https://t.co/bxb1GqPC62#MundialTelemundo #LaCopaEsNuestra #FIFAWWC @USWNT pic.twitter.com/Bmz3IlMkhd
22-year-old reigning NWSL MVP Sophia Smith made the start in her first World Cup appearance on Friday, and marked the occasion by scoring the opening goal. Her finish was tidy and well-taken, but the assist from Alex Morgan was something to behold.
⚽️ ¡Y YA CAYÓ EL PRIMERO DE ESTADOS UNIDOS! 🚨
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 22, 2023
😎 ¡@sophsssmith! Define como crack y abre el marcador para las bicampeonas. #USA 1-0 #VIE
📺 @Telemundo y @peacock ➡️ https://t.co/bxb1GqPC62#MundialTelemundo #LaCopaEsNuestra #FIFAWWC @USWNT pic.twitter.com/seVtTU4h80
Our debut 2023 @FIFAWWC XI 🇺🇸 #USWNT x @Visa pic.twitter.com/u5xfcpGXcc
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 22, 2023
