Title: Smith shines as USWNT starts World Cup campaign with a 3-0 win over Vietnam
Date: July 21, 2023
The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) kicked off their 2023 FIFA World Cup campaign with a comfortable 3-0 victory against Vietnam. While the margin of victory may not have been as wide as anticipated, the USWNT showcased their dominance throughout the match.
Sophie Smith emerged as the star of the game, scoring two first-half goals and assisting Lindsey Horan for the third. Smith’s clinical finishing proved to be the difference-maker, as she took advantage of opportunities created by her teammates.
In the 14th minute, Smith opened the scoring by calmly slotting the ball through the legs of Vietnam goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh, courtesy of a well-timed layoff from Alex Morgan. Despite missing a penalty just before halftime, Smith made amends with a deep stoppage-time goal, capitalizing on Tran’s weak attempted punch.
The USWNT held territorial dominance in the second half and continued to create chances. They finally broke through in the 77th minute when Smith turned provider, setting up Lindsey Horan for the team’s third goal.
Defensively, the USWNT remained untroubled, with goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher having a quiet day, touching the ball just four times in the first half. Meanwhile, defenders Emily Fox, Julie Ertz, Naomi Girma, and Crystal Dunn showcased their defensive prowess, limiting Vietnam’s attacking opportunities.
Individual player performances were assessed through ratings, with Smith receiving an impressive score of 8 for her impactful display. Despite not linking up well with her teammates, Smith’s goals and assist proved crucial for the USWNT’s victory.
Other notable performances came from Julie Ertz, who exerted her physical presence in the backline, and Naomi Girma, who showcased composure and created problems for Vietnam with her long diagonal passes.
The USWNT also made substitutions during the match, with Megan Rapinoe making her 200th appearance in a U.S. jersey. Rose Lavelle’s entry into the game injected new life into the U.S. attack, while 18-year-old Alyssa Thompson impressed with her energy and enthusiasm.
Overall, the USWNT’s 3-0 win over Vietnam marks a solid start to their World Cup journey. The team displayed their attacking prowess through Sophie Smith’s clinical finishing, while their defensive strength remained unbreached. As the tournament progresses, the USWNT will look to build on this promising performance and continue their quest for World Cup glory.