Sophia Smith (R) of the United States shoots to score during the group E match between the United States and Vietnam at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, July 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Qin Lang)
AUCKLAND, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Reigning champions the United States got their title defense underway at Eden Park as they dominated Vietnam 3-0 in a Group E match of the FIFA Women's World Cup here on Saturday, with Sophia Smith scoring two and setting up another.
Having won the last two editions of the tournament and four titles overall, the U.S. are considered as the most successful team in the campaign, while Vietnam have made history by qualifying for a men's or women's World Cup final stage for the first time.
Megan Rapinoe was benched with Alex Morgan starting up in front for the U.S., while Vietnam fielded a 5-4-1 formation.
As expected, Vietnam were majorly outclassed and could hardly string together a run of play, while the U.S. put together a series of chances and went ahead in the 14th minute when Morgan's smart back-heeled pass found Smith, who beat Tran Thi Kim Thanh with an angle drive.
Trinity Rodman was tripped down by Hoang Thi Loan in the 37th minute. The referee waved play on, but after a long VAR check, the U.S. were awarded a penalty. However, Morgan's weak attempt was denied by Tran.
Smith bagged her second goal during the injury time. It was initially wiped out due to Morgan's position in the buildup, but the goal stood after the VAR intervened again.
The defending champions continued their dominance after the break but were less clinical. Rapinoe was introduced in the 61st minute, making her 200th appearance for the national team.
The U.S. added another in the 77th minute when Smith outpaced the defender on the right flank, assisting Lindsey Horan to sweep it in.
The U.S. will meet the Netherlands next Thursday, while Vietnam take on Portugal. ■
Players of the United States celebrate during the group E match between the United States and Vietnam at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, July 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Qin Lang)
Lindsey Horan (2nd L, Front) of the United States breaks through during the group E match between the United States and Vietnam at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, July 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Qin Lang)
Players of the United States celebrate during the group E match between the United States and Vietnam at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, July 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Qin Lang)
FIFA president Gianni Infantino (C) is seen before the group E match between the United States and Vietnam at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, July 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Guo Lei)
Sophia Smith (R) of the United States celebrates her goal during the group E match between the United States and Vietnam at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, July 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Qin Lang)
Players of the United States line up for a team photo before the group E match between the United States and Vietnam at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, July 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Guo Lei)
Trinity Rodman (C) of the United States vies with Hoang Thi Loan (R) of Vietnam during the group E match between the United States and Vietnam at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, July 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Guo Lei)
Julie Ertz (L) of the United States vies with Goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh of Vietnam during the group E match between the United States and Vietnam at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, July 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Qin Lang)
Trinity Rodman (3rd R) of the United States gets injured during the group E match between the United States and Vietnam at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, July 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Qin Lang)
Players of Vietnam celebrate a missing penalty from the United States by Alex Morgan during the group E match between the United States and Vietnam at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, July 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Qin Lang)
Julie Ertz (C) of the United States vies for the ball during the group E match between the United States and Vietnam at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, July 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Qin Lang)
Alex Morgan (bottom) of the United States gets injured during the group E match between the United States and Vietnam at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, July 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Qin Lang)
Tran Thi Kim Thanh (Top), goalkeeper of Vietnam makes a save during the group E match between the United States and Vietnam at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, July 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Qin Lang)
Trinity Rodman (L) of the United States vies with Tran Thi Thu of Vietnam during the group E match between the United States and Vietnam at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, July 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Qin Lang)
Sophia Smith (C) of the United States breaks through during the group E match between the United States and Vietnam at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, July 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Qin Lang)
Players of Vietnam line up ahead of the group E match between the United States and Vietnam at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, July 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Qin Lang)
Lindsey Horan (2nd L) of the United States celebrates her goal during the group E match between the United States and Vietnam at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, July 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Qin Lang)
Alex Morgan (top R) of the United States vies with goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh of Vietnam during the group E match between the United States and Vietnam at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, July 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Qin Lang)
Alex Morgan (R) of the United States makes a penalty kick during the group E match between the United States and Vietnam at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, July 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Qin Lang)
Head coach Mai Duc Chung (front) of Vietnam reacts during the group E match between the United States and Vietnam at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, July 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Qin Lang)
