The U.S. Women’s National team kicked off its World Cup defense in style with a 3-0 win over Vietnam.
Sophia Smith, in her first World Cup appearance, scored twice in the first half to give the U.S. the lead, while captain Lindsey Horan added a third to seal the victory.
But the standout performance of the night came from Vietnam goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh. She was everywhere, parrying crosses, blocking shots and even saving an Alex Morgan penalty to keep Vietnam alive in the middle of the match. For Vietnam, this was a brilliant World Cup debut; the team held its own against the top-ranked squad in women’s soccer and avoided a blowout.
For the USWNT, the performance had highs and lows. Young players like Smith, Trinity Rodman and Naomi Girma looked stellar under World Cup pressure, which should serve the team well as the competition gets heavier. But veterans like Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe struggled to hit the target when it counted, with Rapinoe in particular misplacing both passes and shots as the game progressed.
“I feel like I was almost more anxious for it,” Rapinoe said of appearing in her fourth World Cup. “I think I just know a little bit too much.”
The USWNT will take on the Netherlands in a must-win match on Wednesday. With both teams expected to advance to the knockout rounds, this game will determine who will advance in first place—and therefore seal an easier path to the World Cup final.
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