Audio By Carbonatix
The United States launched their bid for an unprecedented third consecutive world crown with a comfortable win against Women's World Cup debutants Vietnam in Auckland.
Sophia Smith struck twice before half-time for the four-time world champions in front of thousands of travelling USA fans in a crowd of 41,107.
Smith, one of 14 players in the squad appearing at their first World Cup, fired the number-one ranked team in the world ahead with a low-drilled finish from an angle.
Her second was awarded following a lengthy check by the Video Assistant Referee for an offside before captain Lindsey Horan, after an assist by Smith, swept home the third in the 77th minute.
There was a memorable moment for Vietnam keeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh when she was mobbed by her jubilant teammates after keeping out Alex Morgan's penalty, which was awarded for a foul on Trinity Rodman.
Vietnam rarely managed to get out of their own half but worked hard and produced a gritty defensive performance to keep the scoreline respectable.
Latest Stories
-
Iran Embassy in Ghana opens Book of condolence after death of Supreme leader in US-Israel attacks
40 minutes -
GPL 2025/26: Vision FC cruise past Berekum Chelsea with emphatic 3–1 win
43 minutes -
GPL 2025/26: Samartex held by Dreams FC as winless run extends to five
49 minutes -
New Juaben North MP challenges gov’t to provide evidence of jobs created and cheap loans
2 hours -
Nadowli-Kaleo District marks 69th Independence Day with cultural exhibition, academic awards
2 hours -
Confusion, tension rock NPP polling station registration exercise in Tarkwa-Nsuaem
3 hours -
Burger King opens first Kumasi branch in Ahodwo
3 hours -
Burma Camp Tennis Club hosts successful 12th Ghana–Nigeria Independence Day Tennis Tournament
3 hours -
Rights, justice and action for all women and girls must include women and girls with disabilities
3 hours -
The Lover and the Fighter: China, the west, and Africa’s geopolitical awakening
3 hours -
UCC student dies in tragic road accident on campus
4 hours -
Health Ministry establishes committee to probe death of hit-and-run victim
4 hours -
RTI Commission, NACOC explore collaboration to promote transparency and accountability
4 hours -
Three dead as truck overturns near Asenema Waterfalls
5 hours -
Four Ghanaian UN peacekeepers recovering after Lebanon missile attack — Defence Ministry
5 hours
