July 22 – Vietnam made their debut at the World Cup finals with a respectable 3-0 defeat against defending champions the United States, who outshot their opponents 28-0 but failed to capitalise on their chances against a fiercely competitive Vietnamese side.
It was a historic afternoon for the South-East Asians because, for the first time, a Vietnamese men’s or women’s team competed at a World Cup. They were backed by the expat community in New Zealand and though in 90 minutes of play they could not manage a single attempt on target, it mattered little. They had made the finals and there was no shame in a 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Americans.
The reigning champions, looking for a three-peat of World Cup wins were in reality only ever going to be the victors in this contest and the modest scoreline – anything less than a five-goal win – was always going to be something of an upset.
Vietnam crowded their own box against the agility, athleticism and skill of the Americans, who often found a late leg on their way to the goal.
A potential breakout star this tournament at the age of 22, Sophia Smith got a brace in the first half, her second a controversial injury-time strike following a lengthy VAR review. Goalkeeper Kim Thanh played a hero’s role for Vietnam saving a penalty from Alex Morgan in the 37th minute.
At half-time, double figures and memories of the 13-0 drubbing of Thailand four years ago when the American players were criticized for not showing any restraint in their celebrations, seemed far away. The defending champions were underwhelming, not gelling just yet, but at the same time, Vietnam had worked hard in the first half.
A drop-off was almost inevitable. The Americans kept outshooting their opponents in the second half but lacked precision in front of the goalmouth.
Vlatko Andonovski had the luxury of bringing on both Rose Lavelle, fighting to get back to full fitness, and Megan Rapinoe, slated for a superb sub role in these finals, but those introductions did not overwhelm the Vietnamese.
In the 77th minute, Horan got a third and Lavelle smashed a powerful strike against the woodwork. Vietnam refused to roll over and some dogged defending and Kim Thanh prevented the United States from scoring more.
It was in the end a very comfortable victory for Andonovski’s team and the Americans maintain their record of having never lost against an Asian side in 23 matches, 16 of those at the World Cup. They will however need improved performances against both the Netherlands and Portugal to ensure top spot in Group E.
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