Vietnam make historic debut against United States in three rounds

July 22 - Vietnam made their World Cup final debut with a respectable 3-0 loss to defending champions USA, who outshot their opponents 28-0 but failed to capitalize on their chances against a fiercely competitive Vietnamese side.

It was a historic afternoon for Southeast Asians as, for the first time, a Vietnamese men's or women's team participated in a World Cup. They were backed by the expat community in New Zealand and although in 90 minutes of play they couldn't make a single attempt on target, it didn't matter. They had reached the final and there was no shame in a 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Americans.

The defending champions, chasing a hat-trick of World Cup victories, were really only ever going to be the winners of this competition and the modest tally - nothing less than a five-goal win - was always going to be something of an upset.

Vietnam filled their own box against the agility, athleticism and skill of the Americans, who often found a late leg on the way to goal.

A potential star of this tournament aged 22, Sophia Smith earned a first-half brace, her second a controversial stoppage-time strike following a lengthy VAR review. Goalkeeper Kim Thanh played a hero role for Vietnam by saving a penalty from Alex Morgan in the 37th minute.

At halftime, the numbers at two and the memories of Thailand's 13-0 thrashing four years ago, when the American players were criticized for not showing restraint in their celebrations, seemed a long way off. The defending champions were disappointing, not yet gelled, but at the same time Vietnam worked hard in the first half.

An abandonment was almost inevitable. The Americans continued to outplay their opponents in the second half but lacked precision in front of the goalmouth.

Vlatko Andonovski had the luxury of bringing in Rose Lavelle, who is struggling to regain her full fitness, and Megan Rapinoe, slated for a superb supporting role in these finals, but these presentations did not overwhelm the Vietnamese.

In the 77th minute, Horan got a third and Lavelle smashed a powerful strike against the carpentry. Vietnam refused to turn around and a fierce defense and Kim Thanh prevented the United States from scoring more.

It ended up being a very comfortable victory for Andonovski's team and the Americans maintain their record of never losing against an Asian team in 23 matches, including 16 in the World Cup. They will, however, need better performances against the Netherlands and Portugal to secure top spot in Group E.

Contact the author of this story at moc.l1690214972labto1690214972ofdlr1690214972owedi1690214972sni@i1690214972tnuk.1690214972ardni1690214972mas1690214972