US Manager Andonovski Banks On New Generation But Blames Nerves For Modest Win Against Vietnam

The U.S. women’s national team World Cup opener against Vietnam Friday should have been the ultimate mismatch since the All Blacks faced an Italian team of amateur rugby players in 1987. But instead, the world champion American team had to work to win 3-0 against the Vietnam, a World Cup debutant, to ensure three points in the opening stage.

The Americans outshot Vietnam 28-0 in a reflection of the balance of power with the South East Asians struggling to deal with their opponent’s skills, agility, and experience. Sophia Smith scored twice and assisted on the third goal by captain Lindsey Horan in the Group E game in Auckland. However, the Americans were often sloppy in front of the goalmouth, raising questions about coach Vlatko Andonovski’s team selection.

“Look at this team,” said Andonovski. ”It’s the first time this eleven have been on the field together. We had numerous opportunities and connections, and I felt we needed to be a little bit better with the final shot. Unfortunately, we didn’t capitalize on all the great opportunities that we created. That is something we are certainly going to focus on in the lead-up to the next game, but the first one is in the books and the focus immediately shifts towards game two.”

Andonovski’s team arrived at the World Cup under pressure to land a third world crown, but the US boss did not lean on experience in his team’s World Cup opener. Instead, he handed debuts to a slew of players. At the back, he picked Julie Ertz, experienced but without game time in the centre-back position since 2019, to replace the injured Becky Sauerbrunn. In midfield, Savannah DeMelo was a surprise starter. DeMelo made the squad without having ever played for the US.

But it was hardly the free-flowing, dynamic United States. The team was clunky. In the second half, Megan Rapinoe, in a super sub role at this World Cup, and Rose Lavelle, fighting to return to full fitness, came off the bench, but that didn’t change the nature of the match. The Americans squandered a ton of opportunities.

“I’m sure the nerves had something to do with it,” said the US manager. “We’re actually very encouraged by the style of football we displayed today. We had Sophia Smith debuting at the World Cup scoring two beautiful goals.”

Smith was the shining star of the team with a brace. Aged 22, she could become the breakout star of the finals. “They’re confident, they’ve been in pressure situations,” said Horan. “Sophia Smith, look what she did. She does that every single day in training so it’s no shock to me. But it’s always great to have the first game to really calm everyone’s nerves and get the three points.”