Vietnam had a difficult showing to start its FIFA Women’s World Cup effort, losing 0-3 to the U.S. in their Group E opener at the Eden Park Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand on Saturday morning (Vietnam time).

The teams had never played each other, with the top-ranked U.S. looking to secure their third consecutive title and Vietnam, positioned in 32nd in the FIFA world rank, making their World Cup debut.

Vietnam goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh saved a first-half penalty, but the U.S. were never threatened at the other end and went top of their group ahead of the Netherlands’ game against Portugal on Sunday.

The U.S. dominated possession and pegged Vietnam back inside their own half right from kickoff, with Lindsey Horan unsuccessfully challenging keeper Kim Thanh with a shot in the box.

The relentless pressure finally paid off in the 14th minute when Alex Morgan executed a precise through pass, setting up Sophia Smith in an advantageous position to successfully score in her World Cup debut for the championship defender.

Jul 22, 2023; Auckland, NZL; USA midfielder Lindsey Horan (10) celebrates after scoring a goal against Vietnam in the second half of a group stage match in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup at Eden Park. Mandatory Credit: Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports

Following the first goal, the U.S. sustained their attacking pressure, while Vietnam persisted with their defensive approach.

Vietnam could have conceded more if not for the heroics of Kim Thanh in goal as she made timely interventions and reflex saves, including one with her foot to keep Alex Morgan’s penalty out in the 44th minute.

However, Kim Thanh could do nothing as Smith fired the ball outside of the box to score a brace and give the U.S. a two-goal lead in the stoppage time.

She also failed to pull off another lifeline when Horan scored a third for the U.S. in the second half.

Vietnam barely had their opportunities on the counter-attack but even when they did, they were quickly snuffed out, ending up managing zero shots compared to the U.S.’ 28.

Jul 22, 2023; Auckland, NZL; USA forward Megan Rapinoe (15) battles for the ball against Vietnam midfielder Duong Thi Van (16) in the second half of a group stage match in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup at Eden Park. Mandatory Credit: Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports

The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup features 32 teams, divided into eight groups of four and competing in a total of 64 matches.

The matches are taking place at six venues in Australia and four others in New Zealand.

This is the first time Vietnam have qualified for a FIFA Women’s World Cup edition in the country’s football history.

They will take on Portugal in Hamilton at 2:30 pm on July 27 and the Netherlands in Dunedin at 2:00 pm on August 1.

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