Fifa Women’s World Cup: Sophia Smith scores twice as holders USA ease to win over Vietnam

Targeting a third Women’s World Cup in a row, the Americans win 3-0, although the favourites also miss a hatful of chances

Megan Rapinoe comes off the bench to win her 200th cap in front of 41,000 crowd in Auckland

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United States’ Lindsey Horan (right) celebrates with Sophia Smith (left) and Megan Rapinoe after scoring the third goal. Photo: AP

Published: 12:47pm, 22 Jul 2023Updated: 4:24pm, 22 Jul 2023

Sophia Smith scored twice and set up another as a new-look United States launched their bid to win a third Women’s World Cup in a row with a 3-0 victory over Vietnam on Saturday.

One of six members of the USA starting line-up making her World Cup debut, lively forward Smith finished a fine move to open the scoring in the 14th minute at Eden Park in Auckland.

Veteran Alex Morgan was then denied from the penalty spot before Smith struck again deep in stoppage time at the end of the first half in front of a crowd of just over 41,000.

She then set up the third goal for captain Lindsey Horan in the 77th minute, after veteran icon Megan Rapinoe had come off the bench to win her 200th cap.

Sophia Smith battles for the ball with Vietnam’s Thi Thu Thao Tran at Eden Park. Photo: AP

“I love playing with Lindsey, she’s such a great player. She has such a good eye for things that a lot of players don’t see,” Smith said. “She understands my game. She understands the runs I’m making before I even make them.”