USA vs Vietnam preview: Hot favorites take on Asia’s dark horses | Women’s World Cup news

The United States opened their campaign against Vietnam as they seek a third straight title under Rapinoes captain at the last World Cup.

When: on Saturday, July 22
Where: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick off: 13:00 local time (01:00 GMT)

Aiming for an unprecedented third straight three-peat at the Women’s World Cup, top-ranked United Staes begin their campaign against Southeast Asian champions and tournament debutants Vietnam, who are ranked 32nd in the world.

World Cup ready pic.twitter.com/IDxe6VgDo9

United States Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 18, 2023

While a matchup against 2019 finalists the Netherlands awaits in their second Group E game, defender Crystal Dunn said the U.S. will not take its eyes off Vietnam.

“We have to get through this game before we even think about talking about another game,” Dunn said.

We haven’t played Vietnam, that’s a team we have footage of, but obviously we’ve never played them, but I think they’ll bring their best game and we know that’s going to go with it.

Vietnam enters the tournament as three-time ASEAN champions and reigning Southeast Asian champions.

The Golden Star Women Warriors will be hoping to cause trouble on their tournament debut despite being drawn in a tough group that also includes the Netherlands and Portugal.

The #Vietnamese of women #football the team has proven that it is possible to achieve your dreams. It is the first Vietnamese team to participate in a #WorldCup. Congratulations and good luck! Your participation is already an unprecedented victory. #Girls are #unstoppable! pic.twitter.com/QNL47lCJm7

UNICEF Vietnam (@UNICEF_vietnam) July 20, 2023

US forward Lynn Williams said they need to prepare for a different style of play.

Vietnam is a bit of a wild card, he told reporters.

It is just [up to] our ability to adapt. Obviously every opponent we play is looking for them and then half the time it’s not what we’re looking for, so just trust each other.

Get to know our opening opponent Vietnam https://t.co/a5gJ6JgIcj#USWNT x @BioSteelSports pic.twitter.com/cNyYVwgATA

United States Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 19, 2023

While the teams will focus on getting results on the field, they will be looking to bid a happy farewell to legendary player Megan Rapinoe, who has said this will be her last World Cup.

The 38-year-old player will retire from football at the end of the season.

Although Rapinoe won’t play every minute of her fourth World Cup, U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski said the 2019 Ballon dOr winner was as important as ever on and off the field.

“The first thing about Pinoe is that when he’s on the court, he’s a great player,” he said in preparation for the tournament.

That’s the first reason he’s on this team. He is one of the most creative players I have ever seen.

It is with a deep sense of peace and gratitude that I have decided that this will be my last season in this beautiful game. I never could have imagined the ways soccer would shape and change my life forever, but by the look on this little girls face, she knew all along. pic.twitter.com/XGZ1T9i7Wy

Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) July 8, 2023

Team USA news

The defending champion will be without regular captain Becky Sauerbrunn due to injury, so the lead will be split between Lindsey Horan and Alex Morgan.

Vietnam team news

Vietnam has chosen a team that combines youth and experience. The Reds have a full squad to choose from when they take to the field on Saturday, with their all-time leading goalscorer Huynh Nhu leading their attack.

Format and placements

US: WWWWW

Vietnamese: LWWLL

Vietnam women’s team ready for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023!#VFF #FIFA #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/eCCED20aD3

ASEAN FOOTBALL (@theaseanball) July 20, 2023

From one end to another

Saturday’s match will be the first time the teams meet each other.

Players to watch

US: Alex Morgan stands out in a star-studded squad with over 200 caps and 121 goals in a stellar international career that has seen him win two world championships and Olympic gold.

The 34-year-old has shown no signs of letting up or hanging up his boots and will look to lead his side to another trophy.

Vietnamese: With a 15-year career and legendary status in his country, Huynh Nhu will bring all his experience to bear as his team face their most daunting test yet.