Defending champions USA kick-off Women's World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Vietnam
Goalscorer Lindsey Horan of USA speaks to the media during a USA Press Conference at Eden Park Credit: Jan Kruger - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
In the opening fixture in group E, USA started their FIFA Women's World Cup journey with a commanding 3-0 win against Vietnam at Eden Park.
Despite being tournament debutants, Vietnam put up a fighting performance against the reigning champions.
The match was particularly notable for 22-year-old forward Sophia Smith, who marked her World Cup debut with a brace.
Smith opened the scoring in the 14th minute, when she expertly slotted the ball under Vietnam's goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Than.
The Stars and Stripes continued to push but were denied a second goal after Alex Morgan's penalty was impressively saved by Tran.
However, Smith was relentless and ensured USA doubled their advantage in the added time of the first half.
While Vietnam exhibited resilience, the defending champions' supremacy was eventually rewarded. Lindsay Horan extended USA's lead to 3-0 in the 77th minute, following a composed finish set up by Smith.
Following the match, the Player of the Match, Sophia Smith stated, "I feel relieved because I was a bit anxious going into the tournament, so it's nice to have a win under our belts. It's so exciting to be at this World Cup."
USA coach, Vlatko Andonovski, echoed Smith's sentiments, saying, "We want to win every match, so it's one down and now we move on to the next."
Vietnam coach Mai Duc Chung remained positive, praising his team's determination, "Before the match, we promised that we might be outmatched in terms of skills, but we would definitely not be outmatched in determination and spirit."
Netherlands will lock horns with Portugal on Sunday in the second Group E match with kick-off at 8:30am (Irish time).
USA Women: Alyssa Naeher; Crystal Dunn (Kelley O'Hara 84), Julie Ertz, Emily Fox (Sofia Huerta 84), Naomi Girma; Savannah Demelo (Rose Lavelle 61), Lindsey Horan, Andi Sullivan; Alex Morgan (Megan Rapinoe 61), Trinity Rodman (Alyssa Thompson 76), Sophia Smith.
Subs not used: Aubrey Kingsbury, Casey Murphy, Alana Cook, Ashley Sanchez, Emily Sonnett, Kristie Mewis, Lynn Williams.
Booked: Lindsey Horan (56).
Vietnam: Thi Kim Thanh Tran; Thi Loan Hoang, Thi Diem My Le, Thi Thu Thuong Luong (Thi Kieu Chuong 61), Thi Thu Thao Tran, Thi Thu Tran; Thi Bich Thuy Nguyen, Thi Tuyet Dung Nguyen (Thi Van Su Ngan 46), Thi Thao Thai, Thi Hai Linh Tran (Thi Van Duong 89); Nhu Huynh (Hai Yen Pham 76).
Subs not used: Thi Hang Khong, Thi Kieu Oanh Dao, Thi Thuy Nga Tran, Thi My Anh Nguyen, Thi Thanh Nha Nguyen, Thi Thuy Trang Tran, Thi Hoa Vu, Thi Thuy Hang Nguyen.
Booked: Nhu Huynh (76).
Referee: Bouchra Karboubi.
Attendance: 41,107
extratime.com Player of the Match: Sophia Smith
