In the opening game for the defending champion USA, things went largely according to plan. The Americans clearly won 3-0 against Vietnam.
The US soccer players started their mission of defending their title at the World Cup with a commanding victory. At the start of Group E in Auckland/New Zealand, the top favorites scored 3-0 (2-0) against tournament debutant Vietnam.
Scorer Sophia Smith (14th/45th +7 according to video evidence) made the record world champion cheer in front of 41,107 fans in Eden Park with her double pack. Star striker Alex Morgan (44th) failed with a penalty kick after video evidence of Vietnam goalkeeper Thi Kim Thanh Tran. Captain Lindsey Horan (77th) increased.
Controversial offside situation
As expected, the US girls dominated the action against the destructive underdog. The second goal was ruled offside by referee Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco), but the goal counted after a VAR check. Superstar Megan Rapinoe was used as a noble joker from the 62nd minute.
The USA next meet the Netherlands in the replay of the 2019 World Cup final on Thursday (03:00 CEST).