Highlights from USA vs Vietnam, Women’s World Cup

Our live coverage has ended. See how USA vs Vietnam unfolded below and follow the Women’s World Cup here.

United States head coach Vlatko Andonovski, center, talks with Julie Ertz during the first half of the match between the United States and Vietnam on July 22.

US coach Vlatko Andonovski thought his team should have scored more goals in their win over Vietnam.

The USWNT kicked off their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with a comfortable 3-0 victory in the Group E match at Eden Park in in Auckland, New Zealand. 

With the USWNT looking for an unprecedented third consecutive World Cup title, Sophia Smith — starring in her first World Cup — opened the scoring with a low left finish in the 14th minute on an assist from Alex Morgan.

Morgan had a chance to double the UWSNT’s score in the 44th minute but had her penalty from the spot saved by Vietnam goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh.  

However, Smith made it a first half brace, scoring her second goal seven minutes into extra-time to give USA a two-goal lead. 

In the 77th minute, US co-captain Lindsey Horan added an insurance goal for the American women, firing in a cross from Smith into the back of the net. 

And coach Andonovski was pleased with the performance of the US’ young stars, saying they met his expectations.

Looking forward to the team’s next game against the Netherlands in Wellington on Thursday, Andonovski said he believed the younger players will be “a little more encouraged” and have “less nerves.”

United States' Lindsey Horan and Vietnam's Thi Van Su Ngan battle for the ball during the match between the United States and Vietnam on July 22.

The United States women’s national team kicked off their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with a comfortable 3-0 victory against Vietnam in the Group E match at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand. 

Should the USWNT lift the trophy next month, it would be the first time in history that a team — men’s or women’s — has won three consecutive World Cup titles.

But how did they become so dominant? Every dynasty has a beginning, that someone or something which sets in motion the line of succession; the visionary with the ambitious plan, aiming for a future others think fanciful; the iron-willed followers bringing it to fruition, leaving unshakable foundations from which others can build.

Anson Dorrance knew he was a pioneer during his eight years as head coach of the US Women’s National Team (USWNT). It was obvious, he says. “You’re trying to do things that have never been done,” he tells CNN Sport.

Any understanding of how and why the USWNT is women’s soccer’s dominant force, a four-time Women’s World Cup winner and favorite to win the next edition currently taking place in Australia and New Zealand, must start with Dorrance, the groundbreaker and the bricklayer.

Read all about the US history makers and the groundbreakers here.

Sophia Smith’s double against Vietnam makes her the second-youngest player in USWNT history to score multiple goals in a World Cup game.

Smith, age 22 years and 346 days, is also the 4th USWNT player ever to score two or more goals in their women’s World Cup debut.

To cap it off, the NWSL MVP was also named Player of the Match against Vietnam by tournament organizers.

Back-to-back defending champions USA will next play against the Netherlands, in a rematch of the 2019 World Cup final, on July 27 in Wellington, New Zealand (July 26 in the US).

US veteran Kelley O’Hara spoke of the importance of introducing new players to the squad after the US victory over Vietnam.

Many young stars are in the US squad, which is bidding for its third consecutive title on the world stage.

“A lot of these players got their first World Cup game in, which is really exciting for them,” O’Hara told CNN.

O’Hara, 34, said she had some words of encouragement for the younger players before kick-off.

“So yeah, just kind of given them that that boost of confidence and just you know, the little just arm around the shoulder and you guys got this.”

One of those young players, forward Trinity Rodman, said the US team, “were in a really good mind space” going into the match.

Minutes after kick off, 21-year-old Rodman was taken off the field for a few minutes for treatment after she fell backwards in a challenge.

“I’m just gonna ice my back and be ready for the next game,” she said.

This post has been updated.

Lionel Messi made his long-awaited debut with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami with a flourish only the world’s top player could produce.

Playing in the Leagues Cup match against Mexican side Cruz Azul, Messi scored the game-winning goal in the final moments of the second half, curling in a magnificent free-kick strike from outside the box to seal the 2-1 Inter Miami victory at sold-out DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Read more here.

Sophia Smith competes against Thi Kieu Oanh Luong of Vietnam.

Double goalscorer Sophia Smith, who made her World Cup debut for the US today, was named Player of the Match, organizers announced Saturday.

And she almost grabbed a hat-trick. Smith came close to scoring a third early in the second half, only to be denied.

Defending champions Team USA lead Group E after their 3-0 win over Vietnam.

Megan Rapinoe, left, and Sophia Smith, top, and Lindsey Horan, right, celebrate after Horan scored the United States' third goal against Vietnam.

A huge roar from the 41,000-plus crowd greets the final whistle — and the reigning Women’s World Cup champions are well on the way to defending their title.

Team USA lead Group E after a 3-0 win over Vietnam at Auckland’s Eden Park on Saturday.

Newcomer Sophia Smith scored a first-half double and captain Lindsey Horan added a third in the second half in a dominating US performance that kept Vietnam’s defense busy.

Vietnam goalkeeper Thi Kim Tranh Tran made some crucial saves — including a penalty from US veteran Alex Morgan.

The US are chasing a potential “three-peat” at this year’s tournament.

Should the USWNT lift the trophy next month, it would be the first time in history that a team — men’s or women’s — has won three consecutive World Cup titles.

A crowd of 41,107 is attending the match at Eden Park today, tournament organizers just announced.

That’s pretty close to a sell-out.

Last month, ticket sales for the tournament overtook the previous edition held in France, making this likely to be the most attended standalone women’s sporting event in history, according to governing body FIFA.

More than a million tickets had been sold by June.

And Americans from coast to coast have flocked to the tournament. Read more about them here.

Julie Ertz of the United States jumps for the ball.

The US is leading Vietnam 3-0 as we enter the closing stages of this Group E opener here in Auckland.

And the reigning champions looks comfortable in possession as they embark on the second defense of their World Cup title.

Captain Lindsay Horan, who earlier received a yellow card for a robust challenge, scored the US’ third to add to a Sophia Smith first-half double.

Lindsey Horan, left, celebrates with teammate Megan Rapinoe after scoring her team's third goal.

Captain Lindsey Horan scores to bring the US up 3-0 over Vietnam, prompting rousing chants of “U-S-A!” throughout the stadium.

Horan slotted in the net as Vietnam keeper Thi Thu Tran was out of position.

It’s Horan’s 28th goal for the national team.

Megan Rapinoe runs with the ball in the second half of the match between the United States and Vietnam.

Huge cheers erupt around Eden Park as a blue-haired Megan Rapinoe comes on as a substitute for the US.

She replaces Alex Morgan, who assisted on the team’s second goal.

Rapinoe is making her 200th appearance for the USWNT in Saturday’s game and will be hoping to mark the occasion with her 10th World Cup goal — only three of her compatriots have scored more in women’s World Cup history.

The 38-year-old announced earlier this month that she is to retire at the end of the 2023 NWSL season. Should she score at the World Cup, she would become the USWNT’s oldest ever goalscorer at the event, replacing Carli Lloyd.

The US leads 2-0.

Brynleigh Ritchie traveled to the game from Utah.

US fan BrynIeigh Ritchie, who traveled to Auckland from Utah, said this game has become a “core memory” for her after just the first half.

Thu Nguyen said she was really proud of Vietnam's goalie, who made some crucial saves in the first half

Vietnam fan Thu Nguyen said she hopes to see her team apply more pressure against the US in the second half.

Sophia Smith of the United States and Tran Thi Hai Linh of Vietnam compete for the ball.

Sophia Smith nearly grabbed her hat-trick within 10 seconds of the second-half kick off.

That was a close call for Vietnam.

The US still leads 2-0.

Lionel Messi reacts during the second half of the Leagues Cup 2023 match between Cruz Azul and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Friday.

With the sold-out home crowd cheering wildly, Lionel Messi made his Inter Miami debut Friday night in a Leagues Cup group match in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Wearing his iconic No. 10 jersey — in pink this time — Messi high-fived his teammates while he jogged on the pitch at DRV PNK Stadium while entering as a substitute in the 55th minute versus Mexican side Cruz Azul.

Notable names in the crowd including club co-owner David Beckham, NBA superstar LeBron James and Kim Kardashian showed their appreciation for the Argentine superstar.

Vietnam's goalkeeper Thi Kim Thanh Tran, right, celebrates with teammates after she saved a penalty kick from United States' Alex Morgan.

It’s been one-way traffic in the first half here at Eden Park as the US leads 2-0.

Sophia Smith is the US hero, scoring both of the goals in a half packed full of action.

And it could have been a lot more.

Vietnam’s goalkeeper Thi Kim Tranh Tran has made some crucial saves — including a penalty kick — as the US team lays onslaught to her net.

The reigning champion has dominated the play, raining shots down on Vietnam’s goal and piling on the pressure on its defense around the penalty box.

United States' Sophia Smith scores her side's first goal.

Sophia Smith has scored a second goal for Team USA after a nervy — and very long — VAR check.

After a scramble in the box, the ball bounced through Vietnamese goalkeeper Thi Kim Tranh Tran’s legs to bring the US up 2-0.

Vietnam's Tran Thi Kim Thanh saves a penalty kick from USA's Alex Morgan.

Alex Morgan’s spot kick is saved! What drama here at Eden Park!

After a long VAR check, the US has a penalty after Rodman fell in the box under a Vietnam defender’s challenge

Vietnam's Thi Tuyet Dung Nguyen fights for the ball with USA's Trinity Rodman.

The US is dominating the game at the midway point of the first half after taking the lead with a well-taken finish by forward Sophia Smith.

Smith, who is playing in her first World Cup match, scored off a great through-ball from veteran Alex Morgan.

The energy in the crowd is high following the goal, with dueling chants of “Vi-et-nam!” and “U-S-A!”

US fans have also been cheering “I believe that we will win!”

The US team has maintained most of the possession but Vietnam has had a few offensive plays.

Sophia Smith, third left, celebrates with teammates after scoring against Vietnam.

Sophia Smith puts the reigning champions 1-0 up with a cool left-footed finish.

Trinity Rodman of the United States is checked on by trainers.

Minutes after kick off, US forward Trinity Rodman was taken off the field after she fell backwards in a challenge.

She’s back on the field now and seems to be moving OK.

Rodman, the daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman, is making her Women’s World Cup debut.

The 21-year-old is one of the many young stars being introduced to the squad which is bidding for its third consecutive title on the world stage.

Midfielder Savannah DeMelo makes a surprise debut for the USWNT as they kick off their World Cup campaign on a sunny day in Auckland.

Moments after the whistle, the packed crowd broke out in chants of “USA”.

Should the USWNT lift the trophy in Australia and New Zealand, it would be the first time in history that a team — men’s or women’s — has won three consecutive World Cup titles.

And the Vietnam XI:

Vietnam’s Mai Duc Chung, who turned 73 last month, is set to become the oldest coach in World Cup history today.

Fans line up to enter the stadium.

As kick-off approaches, the atmosphere is building at Eden Park in Auckland.

A band welcomed fans as they streamed toward the stadium from the train station across the street for USA vs Vietnam game on Day 3 of the World Cup.

Energy levels are high and supporters of both teams, decked out in their respective colors, are chanting as the clock ticks down to the big game.

Fans of the reigning champions, who sport crowns, scarves, jerseys and shirts proclaiming their love for Team USA appear confident going into the match.

At one gate, the crowd is awash in both America’s red, white and blue, and clothing bearing Vietnam’s flag.

While Vietnam faces a steep challenge today, its fans are looking forward to the match nonetheless.

Bao Nguyen, who flew here from Vietnam for the game, told CNN he was “pretty excited.”

He said he’s just hoping for at least one goal against what he says is “the best team”.

The US Women’s National Team lift the World Cup trophy after defeating Netherlands in 2019.

Much of the talk surrounding the US Women’s National Team (USWNT) heading into this World Cup has been of a potential “three-peat.”

Should the USWNT lift the trophy in Australia and New Zealand, it would be the first time in history that a team — men’s or women’s — has won three consecutive World Cup titles.

However, star forward Alex Morgan insists the team isn’t thinking about the unprecedented feat.

While Morgan and fellow superstar Megan Rapinoe were in the squad for both the 2015 and 2019 World Cup triumphs, this year’s new-look team has 14 players making their World Cup debuts.

In 2019, the USWNT got its World Cup campaign off to a flying start with a headline-making 13-0 win over Thailand.

Members of the US Women’s National Team celebrate winning the World Cup in 2015.

This year, the team begins its quest for another title against Vietnam on Saturday and Rapinoe says the team’s mentality is the same as it has always been.

“The goal is just always winning,” Rapinoe told CNN. “That’s all that matters. That’s like our secret sauce, just an insatiable desire to win and everything else comes after that.”

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Jessica Malone is in Auckland for her fourth World Cup. 

New Zealand is the 19th country geologist Jessica Malone has visited for a soccer game.

Malone, a Philadelphia resident, told CNN her hobby is “ground hopping”, which she describes as “going to as many games all over the world as possible.”

But, Malone says, she’s often one of few women at these matches.

Malone says she loves attending women’s soccer tournaments because it isn’t seen as “weird” for her to attend.

“When I was in Russia [for the 2018 men’s World Cup], I traveled by myself and got asked a lot why I was there, which is a funny question,” she told CNN. “It’s just a totally different vibe at women’s tournaments because everyone knows like, ‘oh, obviously you’re here for this.’”

In Auckland, Malone said she’s “here rooting for all women.”

This is Malone’s fourth time at a soccer World Cup. Her first was the 1999 Women’s World Cup in the US, which she calls a “very formative event” in her life. She also attended the 2018 Men’s World Cup in Russia and the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France.

Her love of the “beautiful game” started with the 1998 World Cup, which she recalls watching with her family as a kid.

“I made my family name our dog ‘Zizou’ after that tournament,” Malone told CNN, referencing star player Zinedine Zidane, who helped guide the French men to World Cup glory that year.

After attending the Women’s World Cup the following year, Malone said: “Since then, I just I’ve always known this was my sport.”

Trinity Rodman celebrates scoring against Wales in San Jose, California, on July 9.

Trinity Rodman, the daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman, is all set to make her Women’s World Cup debut.

The 21-year-old is one of the many young stars being introduced to the squad which is bidding for its third consecutive title on the world stage.

It comes as many older players are coming to the end of their careers. Megan Rapinoe, for example, confirmed she would retire from the sport at the end of the season.

In 2021, Rodman made history after becoming the youngest woman ever selected in the NWSL draft. The then 18-year-old was drafted to the Washington Spirit as the No. 2 pick.

She was named Rookie of the Year later that year as she helped her team lift the NWSL title.

Rodman made her highly-anticipated debut for the national team in 2022 and looks set for an exciting international career.

The youngster scored twice in her team’s last friendly match before traveling to Australia and New Zealand, so she’ll be confident of shining on the biggest stage of them all.

Read more about Rodman’s career here.

From left: Livia, Randy, Laurenne and Lisette Moreland are back at a World Cup for the first time since 2016.

Americans from coast to coast have made the trek to Auckland to support the reigning Women’s World Cup champions as they seek a record third title.

The Moreland family, from Bethesda, Maryland, said they’re excited to see how the team plays, given the dynamic between veteran players and many who are competing in their first World Cup.

Her family, which includes her two daughters, are among many such families in town for the tournament.

At the FIFA Fan Festival in Auckland, Adam from Austin, Texas, who asked to only be referenced by his first name, told CNN he’s “looking forward to seeing the [US] women win.”He’s here with his wife and two daughters, including 12-year-old Cate, who thinks she’s seen at least 50 professional soccer games in her lifetime. 

Her mom Stephanie says soccer really wasn’t on the family’s radar until Cate started playing eight years ago. 

Now, the family is at their second Women’s World Cup. In 2019, they attended the US Women’s National Team’s famous 13-0 victory against Thailand in Reims, France.

Cate, right, said her favorite US Women's National Team player is forward Alex Morgan.

Elanor Espey and her mom Katrina from Sacramento, were also in France during the 2019 Women’s World Cup and watched games from the fan zone in Paris.

Elanor Espey told CNN she’s looking forward to seeing “how the teams have developed in the past four years since the last World Cup.”

US fans gather outside the team's hotel in Auckland.

Hours before the US Women’s National Team face Vietnam in their first match of the 2023 World Cup, fans gathered outside the players’ hotel, hoping to catch a glimpse.

Pressed against the rope at the front of the crowd, a group of kids from Colorado, including John Nels Froelich, trained their eyes on the door, getting more eager every time someone walked out. 

Froelich and his family are staying in the same hotel as New Zealand’s Football Ferns and he said many of them signed a jersey for him.

His father, John, said last night he was at the hotel bar and several members of the team were sitting nearby just watching the Costa Rica game on TV.

“It was crazy,” he told CNN.

World Cup fever is gripping Auckland as the US prepares to take on Vietnam at the city’s Eden Park stadium.

Hours before the game, fans gathered outside the USWNT’s hotel, hoping to catch a glimpse of the players.

Fans wait for the US players at their hotel in Auckland.

“It’s like waiting for pop stars, like Taylor Swift,” said one woman in the crowd.

Expectations are always high for the US Women’s National Team (USWNT) when the Women’s World Cup comes around, and this year is no different as the all-conquering team bids for an historic third consecutive title.

World Cup fever comes to Auckland.

Saturday sees the US juggernaut open its campaign against World Cup debutant Vietnam, with a squad blending elite experience with exciting young talent.

Five members of the team – including stars Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe – were part of the successful campaigns in 2015 and 2019, while Alyssa Thompson and Trinity Rodman, already established stars in the NWSL, are making their first appearance at the sport’s showpiece event.

US and Vietnam fans head to the stadium.

The burden of history could weigh heavily upon the US players, having won four of the eight official versions of the tournament to date as well as its previous 12 World Cup games, dating back to the 2015 group stage.

No country has ever won three straight titles in either men’s or women’s World Cup history.

Fans get their faces painted in team colors.

Given Vietnam’s relative paucity of resources and experience compared to its Group E competitors — the US, Netherlands and Portugal — its chances of advancing from the opening stage are slim.

The last time the USWNT faced an AFC opponent at a World Cup, it ran riot, emerging as a 13-0 winner against Thailand in the 2019 edition in what remains the largest margin of victory in either women’s or men’s World Cup history.

Alex Morgan scored five times on that occasion — a similar glut against Vietnam seems unlikely but not impossible as the teams meet for the first time.

Vietnam faces a metaphorical mountain if the team is to make an imprint on the fixture.

The Golden Star Women Warriors qualified for the World Cup after reaching the quarterfinals of the Asia Cup for the first time in their history.

The squad boasts just one player plying their trade outside the country — star striker Huỳnh Nhu, who has racked up an impressive 67 goals in 103 international appearances and competes in Portugal’s top division for Länk FC Vilaverdense.

Given Vietnam’s relative paucity of resources and experience compared to its Group E competitors — the US, Netherlands and Portugal — its chances of advancing from the opening stage are slim.

Expect wild celebrations if the team scores at the tournament, particularly in the high profile contest against the USWNT, such as when Nguyen Thi Thanh Nhã, 21, grabbed a 92nd-minute consolation goal in a 2-1 defeat to Germany in a friendly in June.

The 23-player US Women’s National Team (USWNT) squad for the 2023 Women’s World Cup squad features a mix of new faces combined with some familiar ones.

Forwards Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe, midfielder Julie Ertz, defender Kelley O’Hara and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher all have two Women’s World Cup titles to their names, while four others were part of the team’s 2019 success in France.

Alongside the experienced core — Morgan, Rapinoe and O’Hara become the 10th, 11th and 12th USWNT players to be selected for four or more tournaments — is a selection of players making their World Cup debuts.

Chief among those 14 first timers selected by head coach Vlatko Andonovski are 18-year-old Alyssa Thompson, who was recently the No. 1 overall pick in the NWSL draft, and Trinity Rodman, daughter of basketball great Dennis.

A selection of famous faces helped to announce the squad in June as the USWNT bids to win its third consecutive World Cup title.

From US President Joe Biden and first lady Dr. Jill Biden to singer Taylor Swift and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, a plethora of star-studded names appeared in a video on the USWNT Twitter page, accompanied with their own congratulatory message.

The first lady added: “Joe and I can’t wait to watch this team soar at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Now, we’re so excited to help unveil the 23 players who will represent the USA in Australia and New Zealand.”

The US Women’s National Team arrives at this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament as the two-time defending champion and arguably the favorite to win an unprecedented third consecutive title.

The US plays its first match against Vietnam in Auckland, New Zealand, at 1 p.m. Saturday local time. For Americans watching from home, that’s actually 9 p.m. ET on Friday.

In the US, the match will air on your local Fox channel. You can also stream the match by signing in with your TV provider at foxsports.com or on the Fox Sports app. Telemundo and Peacock are providing Spanish-language coverage.

According to sports data company Gracenote, the US is the favorite to win the tournament with a 18% chance of success.

Watching from elsewhere? A full breakdown of media rights holders in each country is available on the FIFA website.

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If South Korean Park Eun-seon’s soccer journey has been a long and winding one, with plenty of ups and down, her inclusion in her country’s 2023 Women’s World Cup squad offers a moment of redemption.

The 36-year-old striker — nicknamed “Park-latan,” a nod to Swedish soccer great Zlatan Ibrahimović — has had a turbulent career; from joining the senior squad for the 2003 Women’s World Cup age 17 to considering quitting the game altogether due to controversy regarding her gender.

The veteran striker has defied the odds to travel to Australia and New Zealand to compete at this year’s World Cup and she’s hoping to get her chance on the pitch.

“I want this to be an opportunity where I can make this come true,” she said of her World Cup hopes.”

Read more about Park’s story here.