U.S. head coach Vlatko Andonovski was rewarded for his religion within the subsequent era on Saturday, as younger expertise shone in a 3-0 win over Vietnam of their Women’s World Cup opener at Auckland’s Eden Park.
While one may need anticipated to see the four-times champions lean on a dependable set of starters, Andonovski as a substitute tossed onto the pitch a beginning eleven who had by no means performed collectively, exterior of apply.
Their efficiency didn’t go away a lot room for criticism, save for a handful of squandered possibilities on the internet, as 22-year-old Sophia Smith recorded a first-half brace in her World Cup debut for the four-times champions.
“They’ve never been on the field together in a game scenario for one minute and to see some of the connections and some of the some of the combinations that they were able to do was very positive,” Andonovski instructed reporters.
Smith additionally helped the Americans to a 3rd aim with an excellent help within the 77th minute to co-captain Lindsey Horan, who knocked it into the web.
Midfielder Savannah DeMelo, in the meantime, confirmed poise in her first worldwide begin, and 23-year-old defender Naomi Girma “looked like she has three world cups behind her,” Andonovski mentioned.
“I don’t want to say ‘relief’ or ‘surprise’,” mentioned Andonovski. “I wholeheartedly (believed) that these players are capable of doing what they did.”
Andonovski, who additionally put 18-year-old Alyssa Thompson on as a late substitute, mentioned that the taking part in time can pay main dividends because the event progresses.
“I do also believe that going into game two, they will go a little more encouraged, less nerves, no stress,” mentioned Andonovski.
That mentality will likely be priceless in opposition to their subsequent opponent, the Netherlands, whom they defeated within the 2019 ultimate. They are extensively anticipated to be the hardest crew the Americans face in Group E. They meet on Thursday.
