Sophia Smith at the double as USA beat Vietnam to launch World Cup campaign

Forward Sophia Smith, one of six USA starters making her World Cup debut, led the way with a first-half brace and an assist on midfielder Lindsey Horan’s goal after half-time.

BRACE OF GOALS: Sophia Smith is congratulated by teammates after celebrates scoring her team's first goal during the 2023 WWC Group E match between the United States and Vietnam at Eden Park in Auckland. (Pic: SAEED KHAN/AFP via Getty Images

Never in modern times has the United States women’s national team entered a World Cup surrounded by so many questions. The scrutiny that follows the team is constant, but endless injuries and constant player turnover recently created lineup uncertainty.

United States coach Vlatko Andonovski’s starting lineup on Saturday against Vietnam for the team’s 2023 World Cup opener exemplified as much. In most scenarios, the number of surprises would have been seen as a risk too many to start a major tournament, but the United States won as expected, 3-0 over an overmatched but dogged Vietnam side making its tournament debut.