The United States women's national team will face off against Vietnam to begin their play at the 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand on Friday. (Fox Sports)
The United States return to the Women’s World Cup as the favorites to win the trophy for the third consecutive tournament – a feat that has never been accomplished.
Only four teams in history have been able to go back-to-back as World Cup champions, which the USWNT has done after their 2015 and 2019 victories. Italy’s men’s squad did so in 1934 and 1938, followed by Brazil’s men’s team (1958, 1962) and Germany’s women's team (2003, 2007).
The expectations are stratospheric for this group, which means a target is also on their backs as every team they face will want to take them down.
That begins with Vietnam in Auckland, New Zealand, on Friday night as their road to history begins.
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United States midfielder Lindsey Horan, left, and Sophia Smith, center, celebrate with forward Trinity Rodman, right, who scored in the second half of a FIFA Women's World Cup send-off soccer match against Wales in San Jose, California, Sunday, July 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Josie Lepe)
How can you watch USA vs. Vietnam?
USA vs. Vietnam will kick off at 9 p.m. ET Friday on FOX, with coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET. Fans can tune in to watch the match here.
Who plays for the U.S. Team?
A star-studded roster includes:
- Goalkeepers: Aubrey Kingsbury, Casey Murphy, Alyssa Naeher
- Defenders: Alana Cook, Emily Fox, Crystal Dunn, Naomi Girma, Sofia Huerta, Kelley O’Hara, Emily Sonnett
- Midfielders: Savannah Demelo, Julie Ertz, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Kristia Mewis, Ashley Sanchez, Andi Sullivan
- Forwards: Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, Alyssa Thompson, Lynn Williams
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Who plays for Vietnam?
The roster includes:
- Goalkeepers: Tran Thi Kim Thanh, Khong Thi Hang, Dao Thi Kieu Oanh
- Defenders: Churong Thi Kieu, Luong Thi Thu Thuong, Tran Thi Thu, Hoang Thi Loan, Tran Thi Thuy Nga, Le Thi Diem My, Tran Thi Thu Thao, Nguyen Thi My Anh, Tran Thi Hai Linh
- Midfielders: Nguyen Thi Tuyet, Tran Thi Thuy Trang, Thai Thi Thao, Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy, Duong Thi Van, Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha
- Forwards: Huynh Nhu, Pham Hai Yen, Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha, Ngan Thi Van Su, Vu Thi Hoa
How has the U.S. fared in recent World Cups?
As mentioned, the USWNT is the team to beat, having won back-to-back World Cups after victories in 2015 and 2019.
Sophia Smith of USA poses for a portrait during the official FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 portrait session at on July 17, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Hannah Peters - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
The latest victory came after a 2-0 win over the Netherlands in the final, which took place in France in 2019. Megan Rapinoe scored a penalty kick in the 61st minute of the match, and Rose Lavelle followed that up with a goal eight minutes later to take a commanding lead in the second half.
In 2015, it was Carli Lloyd becoming the first player to ever hat trick in a World Cup finals match, scoring in the third, fifth and 16th minutes against Japan. Lauren Holiday (14th minute) and Tobin Heath (54th) minute added goals of their own in the 5-2 victory.
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How has Vietnam fared in the World Cup?
This is foreign territory for Vietnam, who became the first team in the country’s history – men’s, women’s or senior level – to qualify for the World Cup.
So, they will be making their World Cup debut in this Friday night match. They qualified in February 2022 and will certainly have a tough task going against this seasoned USWNT squad.
Megan Rapinoe, #15 of the United States, is introduced during a post game ceremony after an international friendly against Wales at PayPal Park on July 9, 2023 in San Jose, California. (Brad Smith/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
Rapinoe’s Legacy
This match will also be the start to the end for Rapinoe, who announced this would be her final World cup of her illustrious soccer career.
Rapinoe has been a crucial piece of the success this USWNT team has seen over the years, scoring eight total World Cup goals, including six in five matches in 2019, as well as four total assists.
The 38-year-old is someone Lloyd told Fox News Digital should be proud of what she has been able to accomplish over the years. However, the journey is not over just yet – she wants to go out on top.
Lynn Williams, #6 of the United States, practices during a USWNT training session at Bay City Park on July 20, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Robin Alam/USSF/Getty Images)
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"There’s no one like Megan Rapinoe. They’ll never be anyone like Megan Rapinoe," Lloyd said. "She’s helped this team be so successful over the years, and we were a part of some amazing memories together. Definitely some disappointing moments as well together. But I think that she’s going to walk away feeling proud in what she’s meant to the team over the years. It’s been great to see her game continue to rise and was lucky to play with her for so long."
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