The United States Women’s National Team will face Vietnam on Friday to open their play at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. (Fox Sports)
The United States returned to the Women’s World Cup as favorites to win the trophy for the third consecutive tournament – a feat that has never been accomplished.
Only four teams in history have managed back-to-back World Cup champions, which the USWNT has accomplished after its 2015 and 2019 victories. Italy’s men’s squad did so in 1934 and 1938, followed by Brazil’s men’s team (1958, 1962) and Germany’s women’s team (2003, 2007).
Expectations for this group are stratospheric, which means a target is also on their backs as every team they face will want to take them down.
It starts with Vietnam in Auckland, New Zealand on Friday night when their road to history begins.
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United States midfielders Lindsay Horan, left, and Sophia Smith, right, celebrate with forward Trinity Rodman, right, who scored in the second half of their FIFA Women’s World Cup soccer match against Wales, Sunday, July 9, 2023, in San Jose, California. (AP Photo/Josie Lippe)
How can you watch USA vs Vietnam?
USA vs. Vietnam kicks off Friday at 9 pm ET on FOX, with coverage beginning at 8 pm ET. Fans can tune in to watch. Match here.
Who plays for the American team?
The star-studded roster includes:
- Goalkeepers: Aubrey Kingsbury, Casey Murphy, Alyssa Naher
- Defenders: Alanna Cook, Emily Fox, Crystal Dunn, Naomi Garma, Sofia Huerta, Kelly O’Hara, Emily Sonnett
- Midfielders: Savannah DeMello, Julie Ertz, Lindsay Horan, Rose Lovell, Chrystia Meos, Ashley Sanchez, Andy Sullivan
- Forwards: Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, Alyssa Thompson, Lynn Williams
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Who plays for Vietnam?
The list includes:
- Goalkeepers: Tran Thi Kim Thanh, Khong Thi Heng, Daw Thi Kyu Oan
- Defenders: Churong Thi Kiu, Luong Thi Thong, Tran Thi Thu, Hwang Thi Lun, Tran Thi Thi Nga, Le Thi Dam My, Tran Thi Thu Thao, Nguyen Thi My Anh, Tran Thi Hi Lin
- Midfielders: Nguyen Thi Tuet, Tran Thi Thi Trang, Thai Thi Thao, Nguyen Thi Bich Thi, Dong Thi Van, Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha
- Forwards: Huynh Nhu, Pham Hai Yen, Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha, Ngan Thi Van Su, Vu Thi Hoa
How did America perform in the recent World Cup?
As mentioned, the USWNT is the team to beat, having won back-to-back World Cups following victories in 2015 and 2019.
Sophia Smith of the USA poses for a portrait during the portrait session of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 on July 17, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Hannah Peters – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
The most recent victory followed a 2-0 win over the Netherlands in the final, which took place in France in 2019. Megan Rapinoe scored on a penalty kick in the 61st minute of the match, and Rose Lavelle followed that up with a goal eight minutes later to take an important lead in the second half.
In 2015, Carli Lloyd scored in the third, fifth and 16th minutes against Japan to become the first player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup finals match. Lauren Holliday (14th minute) and Tobin Heath (54th) scored their own goals in the 5-2 victory.
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How did Vietnam perform in the World Cup?
It is foreign territory for Vietnam, which has become the first team in the country’s history – men’s, women’s or senior level – to qualify for the World Cup.
Hence, he will make his World Cup debut in this Friday night match. They qualified in February 2022 and will certainly have a tough task against this experienced USWNT squad.
Megan Rapinoe, #15 of the United States, is introduced during a postgame ceremony following an international friendly against Wales on July 9, 2023 in San Jose, California. (Brad Smith/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
Rapinoe’s legacy
The match would also be the beginning of the end for Rapinoe, who announced that this would be the last World Cup of her illustrious football career.
Rapinoe has been a key part of the success this USWNT team has seen over the years, scoring a total of eight World Cup goals in 2019, including six out of five matches, along with a total of four assists.
The 38-year-old is someone Lloyd told Fox News Digital she should be proud of for what she’s been able to achieve over the years. However, the journey isn’t over yet – she wants to get to the top.
Lane Williams, #6 of the United States, practices during a USWNT training session at Bay City Park on July 20, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Robin Alam/USSF/Getty Images)
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“There is no one like Megan Rapinoe. He will never be like Megan Rapinoe,” Lloyd said. “She’s helped make this team successful over the years, and we’ve been a part of some amazing memories together. Definitely some frustrating moments together. But I think she’ll leave proud of what she’s done for the team over the years. It’s great to see her game grow and to be lucky to have played with her for so long.”
Source by [Fox News]
