Group E: Resolute Vietnam make United States work hard
Auckland: Vietnam produced a steely performance as defending champions the United States were made to work hard for a 3-0 win in their opening FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group E tie at Eden Park on Saturday.
22/07/2023 19:09:25
Tournament debutants Vietnam frustrated the four-time champions with their disciplined and resolute defending and will look forward to their remaining matches with confidence.
Vietnam knew they would be in for a tough test as the Americans took control of the match from the first blow of the referee’s whistle.
Their early dominance resulted in a couple of half chances with the defending champions’ pressure finally paying off in the 13th minute as Sophia Smith slotted the ball home after receiving a neat pass from Alex Morgan.
Boosted by the early advantage, the United States attacked in numbers but had to wait till the closing stages for their next clear look at goal when Hoang Thi Loan was judged to have brought Trinity Rodman down in the penalty area.
Morgan stepped up to take the spot-kick but Vietnam goalkeeper Tran Thị Kim Thanh judged correctly to parry the ball before it was cleared for a corner.
There was, however, still time for a second American goal before the half-time break with Smith’s effort from just outside the box awarded after the whistle had been blown for an earlier offside.
The match resumed with Smith presented with a great opportunity off a Morgan cross to complete her hat-trick in the opening seconds, but the forward failed to get her shot on target.
That set the tone for the remainder of the tie as the United States kept pressing, only to be denied by some fine goalkeeping, determined defending and poor finishing.
The third goal finally arrived for the United States in the 77th minute, with Smith turning provider as her pass was finished off by Lindsey Horan.
The final stats read the United States had 28 shots to none for Vietnam but after a disciplined defensive performance, the Southeast Asian side will look to get points on the board when they play Portugal on Thursday.
Source: AFC
