The United States launched their bid for an unprecedented third consecutive world crown with a comfortable win against Women's World Cup debutants Vietnam in Auckland.
Sophia Smith struck twice before half-time for the four-time world champions in front of thousands of travelling USA fans in a crowd of 41,107.
Smith, one of 14 players in the squad appearing at their first World Cup, fired the number-one ranked team in the world ahead with a low-drilled finish from an angle.
Her second was awarded following a lengthy check by the Video Assistant Referee for an offside before captain Lindsey Horan, after an assist by Smith, swept home the third in the 77th minute.
There was a memorable moment for Vietnam keeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh when she was mobbed by her jubilant teammates after keeping out Alex Morgan's penalty, which was awarded for a foul on Trinity Rodman.
Vietnam rarely managed to get out of their own half but worked hard and produced a gritty defensive performance to keep the scoreline respectable.
Latest Stories
-
Ghanaians reminded to prioritise regular health check-ups
39 seconds -
Salah brace sends Liverpool 8 points clear
11 mins -
Leicester City sack manager Steve Cooper
13 mins -
Akwasi Sarpong wins AIBs 2024 Award for BBC OS coverage of Israeli hostage release
24 mins -
Gospel musician Adeline Baidoo shares inspiring story of triumph over adversity
25 mins -
Kwesi Yankah: Escape from Ghana
59 mins -
Musician DeThompson DDT drops new single Happiness
1 hour -
Ukraine’s Grain Initiative raises over $200m, provides lifeline amid global food crisis
2 hours -
Dancehall queen Spice donates to students of 3 basic schools in Accra through MYO Global Foundation
2 hours -
Kamal-Deen Abdulai urges Nanton to help NPP break the 8
2 hours -
TVET is not a dumping ground for underperforming students – C/R Minister
3 hours -
BoG Governor calls for increased preparedness to respond to emerging financial sector challenges
3 hours -
IGP calls on public to aid Police in ensuring peace during 2024 election
3 hours -
Miner jailed, fined for stealing motorbike worth GH¢13,500
4 hours -
Dozens killed in Pakistan sectarian violence
4 hours