The United States took on Vietnam for their opening match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. This was the first meeting every between the United States and Vietnam. This was also Vietnams first ever Women’s World Cup match.
I just thought it was going to be a blowout. All signs indicated it was going to be a tough match for Vietnam. With the United States being back to back to back FIFA Women’s World Cup Champions and ranked number one coming into the tournament not much was expected from Vietnam. Part of why I thought it was going to be a blowout was the United States had a 98.7% win probability.
United States VS Vietnam Preview | FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
United States Preview | FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
The United States came out fast and got on the board early. They scored around the 6′ minute but the goal was disallowed. The United States recored quickly though with a goal from #11 Sophia Smith in the 14′ minute. She ran towards the goal. The ball was put in front of her and she slammed it home. The United States were then awarded a penalty in the 41′ minute. The penalty was saved and then the rebound was put wide. Sophia Smith scored again to give the United States a 2-0 lead. The ball was put into the box by the United States. The keeper knocked it away but it wasn’t cleared. Smith got the ball and her shot snuck through. The United States had a 2-0 lead over Vietnam after the first half. I would have liked to see that first goal allowed and Penalty go in but it was a solid half for the United States anyway.
The second half started with a United States yellow card in the 56′ minute. Vietnam got a yellow card in the 75′ minute. The United States scored again in the 77′ minute. #10 Lindsey Horan got the goal. A long pass got the ball into the box where a player from the United States took it towards the goal line drawing in multiple defenders and the goalie. The ball was then put back into the middle of the box where Horan got it. She had a wide open net to score on. The United States would go to win 3-0.
The United States need to start the tournament off strong and they did that. Yes they have some areas they need to improve but they still dominated. The main area that needs improvement now is their finishing. They should have had five to seven goals in that game but just fell apart when it came to putting the ball into the back of the net. They just need to tighten up. A noticed a lot of passes that didn’t connect so they need to work on their timing. It’s their first game of the tournament and some of this is expected. It was their 13th straight that they have won at the world cup.
The United states got all of the shots. Vietnam didn’t get a single shot. Despite that the United states only had 66% of the possession. I would also expect two or three more goals with twenty eight shots as well.
The United states now leads Group E. Vietnam are firmly in the back of Group E. The Netherlands and Portugal are yet to play.
United States VS Netherlands
Game #: Group stage second game | Group E match three
Date: Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Time: 6:00 PM (PST)
Zac Electrifly 
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