Smith doubles up as USA open World Cup with 3-0 win

afr.com:

Sophia Smith has given the United States liftoff at the Women’s World Cup, her double leading the way in a 3-0 first-up defeat of Vietnam.

Huynh Nhu of Vietnam and Sophia Smith of USA compete for the ball during in the Group E match between USA and Vietnam at Eden Park on Saturday in Auckland, New Zealand.  Getty

Superstar Megan Rapinoe earned her 200th cap off the bench but it was Smith, the next big thing, who arrived on the world stage at Auckland’s Eden Park with two first-half strikes.

Smith then turned provider for captain Lindsey Horan’s second-half goal.

A more savage rout did not materialise on Saturday, owing mainly to Vietnam’s well-organised defence.

Tran Thi Kim Thanh saved Alex Morgan’s penalty in a fine display, bravely contesting every in-dispute ball, claiming cross after cross.

On their World Cup debut, Vietnam still were no match for the two-time reigning champions, who didn’t allow the first-timers a single shot until second-half added time.

The US were always in control, even if Vlatko Andonovksi’s experimental XI led to an often disjointed showing.

Midfielder Julie Ertz was preferred in defence to Alana Cook, Savannah DeMelo earned her first-ever start, while Trinity Rodman and Smith played off the side of Morgan up front.

Smith began her best-afield display with a 13th-minute goal, lashing home after gathering Morgan’s flick from Horan’s sharp pass.

Late in the half, Rodman — the daughter of NBA great Dennis Rodman — drew a penalty when Hoang Thi Loan caught her foot in a penalty-box lunge.

The spot kick was the sixth of the tournament, one in each game to date, and the fourth failed effort, with Morgan sending a tame effort centrally.

In an incredible 11 first-half minutes of additional time,