USA vs Vietnam LIVE: USWNT win 3-0 as Sophia Smith nets twice in Women’s World Cup opener

The USA are aiming to win the World Cup for the third time in a row in what is Megan Rapinoe’s final tournament

Teary eyed teammates pay tribute to Rapinoe

Sophia Smith scored a first-half brace on her Women’s World Cup debut as the United States got their bid for a third successive title off to a comfortable start with a 3-0 win over Vietnam at Eden Park on Saturday.

The top-ranked Americans have put their trust in the next generation this year and were rewarded with a showstopping performance from the 22-year-old forward, who also provided the assist for co-captain Lindsey Horan’s goal in the second half.

Vietnam were scarcely able to breach the final third on their World Cup debut but goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh dived to her right to save Alex Morgan’s first-half penalty in one of several good chances the U.S. spurned.

The heavily American presence in the crowd of 41,107 roared with pleasure as Megan Rapinoe, who plans to retire at the end of this year, took the field midway through the second half but the 38-year-old also missed a good scoring chance.

The U.S. next face the Netherlands on Thursday in their second Group E game, a rematch of the 2019 World Cup final,

Follow live updates as the USA begin their Women’s World Cup campaign.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: USA vs Vietnam

• USA begin World Cup campaign against Vietnam (Kick-off 9pm ET, 2am BST)
• Defending champions are aiming to win their third World Cup in a row
• Megan Rapinoe is playing in her last World Cup before retirement
• USA are joined by Netherlands, Portugal and Vietnam in World Cup Group E

[21 July 2023 23:55 · Jack Rathborn]

Women’s World Cup: USA vs Vietnam

The United States begin the defence of their Women’s World Cup crown as the four-time champions play Vietnam in Auckland tonight.

The USA are aiming to become the first team to win the World Cup three times in a row, with stars such as Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe returning from their victory in France four years ago. The defending champions are favourites to retain their title but they will face competition from the top European sides, such as England and Germany, who are confident they have closed the gap.

The stage is set for the next generation to shine, such as star forward Sophia Smith, who is one of 14 players in the squad who are making their first appearance at the World Cup finals. The USA also have a new head coach from four years ago, with Vlatko Andonovski taking over from Jill Ellis, who led the team to titles in 2015 and 2019.

Follow live updates as the USA begin their Women’s World Cup campaign.

[21 July 2023 13:42 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Women’s World Cup: USA vs Vietnam

Follow all the latest as USA begin their World Cup campaign in New Zealand.