The U.S. Women’s National Team defeated Vietnam 3-0 in their first group stage game of the World Cup. The women’s FIFA World Cup has officially begun and here are some things you need to know going in.
The games are being held in both Australia and New Zealand.
The cup began on July 20 and will play through August 20. Throughout the month, 32 teams will play a total of 64 games.
Until August 2, each country will play three games in what’s known as group stage games. A loss does not eliminate a team during the group stage, but points do matter.
The more points the better. The USA and Vietnam match was expected to be a blowout game, with the over/under being set at six goals for the U.S. The team fell under, though the overall win keeps the U.S. atop its group stage.
The USWNT will compete in two more group stage games before entering the Round of 16. Here, all 32 teams will compete against each other. Countries that lose its game will be eliminated, while countries that win will move on until the final two teams meet in the World Cup Final.
The USWNT has won four World Cups.
The first one came in 1991 and their second one eight years later in 1999. The team won back-to-back titles in 2015 and 2019. Their goal to win its third World Cup in a row is a feat that has never been done by any soccer team in the world. The USWNT along with Brazils’ and Italy’s men’s teams are the only countries to ever win back-to-back world cups.
The two youngest players on the women’s squad are ones to watch closely throughout this cup. 18-year-old Alyssa Thompson and 21-year-old Trinity Rodman are both forwards for the team and both have experience playing professionally in the U.S.
Fans were very excited to see Thompson play since she’s already found so much success with Angels FC at such a young age. She is also praised for choosing her career over what some may consider monumental rights of passage. Thompson missed her prom to go pro.
Rodman, known for being the daughter of NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman, has since made a name for herself by becoming one of the best female players in the U.S. and one of the best players for the Washington Spirits.
Julie Ertz played center for the first time in four years for the national team. Ertz took two years away from soccer to raise her children. Ertz usually plays defense but for this first game she played midfielder proving that she can be a very versatile player.
Sophia Smith became the breakout star of the game, scoring two goals.
With an assist from Alex Morgan she scored her first goal of the game early in the first half. Late in the first half, Smith scored her second goal on her own from the far left end of the penalty area.
Lindsey Horan and Morgan were made co-captains for the team due to their ability to lead and experience in the high-stake matches.
Horan, with an assist from Smith, scored the third and final goal of the game.
During the group stage, Vietnam proved to be the most manageable country for the U.S. to overcome. Vietnam’s emphasis on their offense over their defense suggests that the U.S. may have to adapt their strategy as it progresses through the group stage .
The USWNT is set to play the Netherlands on July 26 and Portugal on August 1.
